The Dark Lady's Guide to Villainy [Book 1 Complete] [Dark Lord, School, Romance]

Dr. Marcus Rivera, Licensed Clinical Social Worker

Session with Nyx (Nyxir Obscuris)

Date: [Post-Umbra Academy Ball Incident, Post-Integration, Earth]
Session Type: Individual Therapy - Initial Intake Session
Duration: 50 minutes

Dr. Rivera: settles on a large floor cushion, completely relaxed, gesturing to the various seating options around the eclectic office

Welcome, Nyx. Make yourself at home—literally anywhere that calls to you. I've got chairs, cushions, that hammock in the corner if you're feeling adventurous.

His hands create small, unconscious light patterns in the air as he speaks—only a day passed since the Integration and everything is new to him

So, this whole therapy thing is new territory for you, huh? Mo mentioned you were intrigued, but also kind of baffled by the concept. I get that—sitting in a room talking about feelings with a stranger probably seems pretty weird, especially coming from a reality where problems are usually solved with dramatic confrontations and maybe some light stabbing.

Chuckles warmly

I work with a lot of artists and performers—people whose sense of self is naturally fluid, who express different aspects of themselves through different mediums. Your shapeshifting sounds like the ultimate form of that. Though I understand not everyone in your life has appreciated the artistry of it?

Tilts his head curiously

What's got you curious enough to try this? And how are you feeling right now—in your body, in this space, in whatever form you've chosen for today?

Nyx: shifts uncomfortably in their current form—somewhere between masculine and feminine, obsidian skin rippling slightly with uncertainty. They've chosen to sit on the edge of a chair, as if ready to bolt at any moment

This is... bizarre. In our world, if you have a problem with someone, you challenge them to a duel or curse their bloodline for seven generations. You don't... gestures vaguely ...sit in circles and discuss your feelings.

Their form flickers slightly, height adjusting by a few inches

Mo said it might help with... voice drops ...what happened at the Ball. And with Dorian. Though I still don't understand how talking to a stranger is supposed to fix anything. And I'm not even sure why I believed her and let her drag me here. Not Earth. For that, we have to blame the Headmaster. But… here.

They pause, studying Dr. Rivera with genuine curiosity

You said you work with artists? People who are... fluid? I've never met anyone who thought my kind of shapeshifting was artistic before. Well, before I met Mo and Lucian, I guess. My father calls it 'an aberration of nature.' Dorian said it was 'enchanting' but only when I looked the way he preferred.

Their skin darkens slightly, a tell-tale sign of emotional distress

I chose this form because... honestly? I don't know what I'm supposed to be in here. In demon society, you adapt to show strength or submission. With friends, I can be myself—whatever that means on any given day. But here? I have no reference point.

They look directly at Dr. Rivera for the first time

So what exactly am I supposed to do in therapy?

Dr. Rivera: his new empathic abilities automatically engage, a strange sensation of swirling confusion and defensive uncertainty in Nyx's emotional landscape filling his mind

You know what? You just did therapy. Everything you just said—that's exactly what we do here.

He gestures to Nyx with open hands

You told me about the confusion, the way different people want different things from you, how you don't have a reference point for this space. That's therapy—just... noticing what's happening inside you and putting words to it.

He picks up a small, smooth stone from a side table and turns it over in his hands

Your father calling your nature an aberration, Dorian only appreciating certain forms... that sounds exhausting. Like you're constantly having to translate yourself for other people's comfort.

He sets the stone down

Here's what I'm curious about—you said with friends you can 'be yourself, whatever that means on any given day.' That phrase... 'whatever that means'... sounds like maybe even you aren't always sure who that self is?

His tone remains warm and non-judgmental

And this form you chose today—you said you don't know what you're 'supposed to be' in here. But what if... there is no supposed to be? What if from here we'll start to create spaces where you get to just... exist without performing for anyone else's expectations? It is only the beginning. But gradually, the whole multitude of worlds will be yours.

He pauses thoughtfully

What would it feel like to just... be whatever feels true in this moment, without worrying about what I want to see or what would make me comfortable?

Nyx: Their form goes completely still for a moment—an eerie, unnatural stillness that suggests they're processing something deep. Then, slowly, their edges begin to blur and shift

I... I don't remember the last time someone asked me what felt true for me. Well… I sort of had these moments with Mo. I can acknowledge that even if I'm angry at her. Usually it's 'what do you need to be for this situation' or 'what would work best here' or...

Their form ripples, cycling through several different presentations rapidly before settling into something more androgynous, with softer edges, and slightly non-humanoid

Dorian used to say I was 'becoming' something beautiful when I held feminine forms. Like I was evolving toward some ideal he had in mind. But it felt like... like I was disappearing piece by piece.

They wrap their four arms around themselves

And my father... he wanted me to pick something and stick with it. 'Stop this chaos,' he'd say. 'Settle into what you're meant to be.' But what if I'm not meant to be any one thing?

Their voice cracks slightly

Before the Ball, and when I saw Mo in that white suit... I was gradually figuring out I'd been changing myself to match Dorian for weeks without even noticing. I looked in a mirror and didn't recognize who was looking back. So I shapeshifted into the most masculine form I could manage, just to prove I still could.

They look up at Dr. Rivera with something like desperation

But that wasn't really me either, was it? That was just... reacting. Rebelling. When do I get to be me instead of a response to someone else?

Dr. Rivera: sits with that question for a moment, letting it hang in the air

That's... that's a profound question, Nyx. 'When do I get to be me instead of a response to someone else?'

He leans forward slightly, genuinely moved

You know what I heard in what you just shared? You do know who you are. You recognized when you were disappearing with Dorian. You felt the difference between authentic expression and reactive rebellion. That awareness? That's your true self speaking.

He gestures gently toward them

Right now, in this moment—the way you're sitting, the form you've settled into while talking about this—does this feel like you? Or are you still performing somehow?

Nyx's form shifts slightly, becoming even more fluid at the edges, disappearing one hand and adding a few more

Nyx: This... this feels more like me. Less structured. But I keep waiting for you to tell me to pick something and stick with it.

Dr. Rivera: chuckles softly

What if I told you that your fluidity IS who you are? That the shapeshifting isn't something you do—it's part of how you exist in the world?

He picks up a kaleidoscope from his desk and turns it slowly

Look at this. Each turn creates something completely new, but it's still the same kaleidoscope. The beauty isn't in spite of the changing patterns—it IS the changing patterns.

He sets it down and looks at Nyx directly

What would it mean to you if your fluidity wasn't a problem to solve, but a gift to celebrate?

Nyx: Their form ripples visibly, like water disturbed by a stone. Their skin shifts through several colors before settling into something iridescent, and for the first time since entering, they seem to truly relax

A gift? I... no one's ever called it that before.

They uncurl from their defensive posture, form becoming more expansive

My whole life, everyone's treated it like a problem. 'When will you grow out of this phase?' 'Why can't you just be normal?' Even at Umbra Academy—a school for all sorts of literal demons, monsters, and shapeshifters—I was the weird one.

Their form shifts again, becoming more abstract, edges flowing like liquid shadow

But you're saying... what if it's not broken? What if I'm not broken?

They pause, looking down at their hands as they shift between different textures

Mo and Lucian... they never asked me to change. They just... accepted whatever I was on any given day. But I thought that was just because they were good friends. I didn't think it meant I was... worthy of that acceptance.

Their voice grows stronger

At the Ball, when I revealed my masculine form, everyone gasped. But it wasn't admiration—it was shock. Like I'd done something scandalous just by existing differently than they expected.

They look up at Dr. Rivera with something like wonder

If my shapeshifting is a gift... then why does everyone else seem so threatened by it?

Dr. Rivera: nods thoughtfully, his expression growing more serious but still warm

That's the million-dollar question, isn't it? The answer might hurt a little, but I think you're ready to hear it.

He leans back, considering his words carefully

People are threatened by what they can't control or predict. Your fluidity—your gift—it challenges their need to put everything in neat little boxes. When you can be anything, it forces them to confront the rigidity of their own identities.

His voice grows gentler

The people who are threatened by your gift? They're revealing their own limitations, not yours. The question is—are you going to keep shrinking yourself to make them comfortable, or are you going to find the people who celebrate your kaleidoscope nature?

He pauses, watching Nyx's reaction

Unauthorized tale usage: if you spot this story on Amazon, report the violation.

What does it feel like to hear that their discomfort says more about them than it does about you?

Nyx: Their form goes through a series of rapid shifts—expanding, contracting, colors cycling through the spectrum. They seem to be processing something fundamental

I... I've been apologizing for existing my entire life, haven't I?

Their form stabilizes into something more solid, but still beautifully fluid at the edges

When my father would get that look of disappointment, I'd try so hard to hold one shape longer. When Dorian would smile at my 'feminine grace,' I'd force myself to stay in forms that felt... incomplete. Like wearing clothes that don't fit.

They stand up suddenly, pacing, their form shifting with each step

And the worst part? I thought I was being considerate. I thought adapting myself was what love looked like. That if I could just find the right shape, the right version of myself, then people would...

They stop pacing, form flickering with anger

But Mo never asked me to change. Lucian never made me feel like my fluidity was inconvenient. They just... liked me. All of me. Even the parts that shift and change and can't be pinned down. Until…

Until they didn't…

Their voice grows stronger, more defiant

You know what? Screw my father's 'permanence.' Screw Dorian's fantasy girlfriend. Screw… even Mo's attack. I'm not a broken person who needs fixing—I'm a shapeshifter who's been dimming their light to make other people comfortable!

They look at Dr. Rivera with fierce determination

So what do I do now? How do I stop apologizing for being who I am?

Dr. Rivera: grins widely, clearly energized by Nyx's breakthrough, his own magical abilities responding with brighter light patterns

Now THAT'S what I'm talking about! You just went from 'what's wrong with me?' to 'what's wrong with them?' That's not a small shift—that's a fundamental reframe.

He stands up too, matching Nyx's energy

So what do you do now? You practice. You practice being unapologetically yourself, even when—especially when—it makes other people uncomfortable.

He starts counting on his fingers

First, you notice when you're shapeshifting for others versus for yourself. There's a different feeling to it, right? When you changed for Dorian, how did that feel in your body compared to when you shift because something inside you is calling for expression?

Nyx: slowly With Dorian, it felt... heavy. Like I was holding my breath. But when I shift because I want to, it feels like... like dancing. Or flying.

Dr. Rivera: Exactly! That's your internal compass. Trust that feeling. Second—and this might be harder—you're going to disappoint people. Your father, other Dorians who come along. And instead of seeing their disappointment as proof you're doing something wrong, you're going to see it as proof you're doing something right.

He pauses, letting that sink in

Third, you surround yourself with people who celebrate your kaleidoscope nature. Like Mo and Lucian. And you stop wasting energy on people who want you to be a museum piece.

He looks at Nyx directly

What feels scary about that? And what feels exciting?

Nyx: Their form suddenly contracts, edges sharpening defensively

Wait. Hold on. You keep saying Mo and Lucian celebrate me. And even I keep saying that. But... they didn't, did they? Not really.

Their skin darkens, anger rippling across their features

At the Ball, Mo used her assignment to dig into Dorian's fears. And she used it to manipulate me. And Lucian... he was right there helping her, passing along information like I was some kind of research project.

They pace again, form becoming more agitated

They sat there, judging my choices with Dorian while pretending to support me. Then Mo had the audacity to use her succubus powers on me during our fight—forced a connection I would never consent to, made me feel her emotions when I was already falling apart.

Their voice cracks with hurt

You want to know what's scary about trusting people who 'celebrate' me? Even the ones who claim to love me still think they know what's best for me. They still violate my boundaries when it's convenient for them.

They stop pacing, looking directly at Dr. Rivera

So how do I tell the difference between people who actually respect my autonomy and people who just... tolerate my weirdness until it becomes inconvenient? Because right now, I don't trust my own judgment about who's safe.

Their form flickers uncertainly

Maybe I'm better off alone.

Dr. Rivera: sits back down slowly, his expression becoming more serious and thoughtful, the light patterns around his hands dimming

Damn. You're absolutely right to call that out. I was so focused on the people who seemed better than your father and Dorian that I glossed over some real boundary violations.

He runs a hand through his hair

Mo turning your relationship into her own project? That's not okay, even if she thought she was protecting you. And using her powers on you during a fight in that way? That's... that's actually pretty serious, Nyx.

He leans forward, meeting their gaze directly

You're absolutely right to call that out. Your radar for boundary violations is working perfectly—even people who care about you can cross lines, and good intentions don't excuse disrespecting your autonomy.

He pauses thoughtfully

And that voice saying 'maybe I'm better off alone'? I get it. When everyone keeps proving they'll violate your boundaries, isolation feels safer. But here's what I'm wondering—what would it look like to have relationships where your boundaries actually matter?

He looks at Nyx with genuine curiosity

What would someone need to do to earn back your trust after crossing a line like that?

Nyx: Their form goes very still, the question hitting something deep. Their edges blur slightly as they process

I... I don't know. No one's ever asked me that before.

They sit back down, form settling into something more grounded but still shifting subtly

When people cross my boundaries, they usually just... expect me to get over it. My father would say 'stop being so dramatic.' Dorian acted like I was overreacting when I called him out on the pronoun thing.

Their voice grows thoughtful

Mo and Lucian... they haven't even acknowledged that they did anything wrong, have they? Mo acted like I was the one being unreasonable for getting upset about the fear-gathering thing. And when she used her powers on me...

Their form flickers with remembered pain

She said it was to 'stop me from hurting myself more.' But that's exactly what everyone says when they violate my autonomy—it's always 'for my own good.'

They look up at Dr. Rivera with genuine confusion

What would earning trust back even look like? I mean, if someone actually acknowledged they crossed a line instead of making excuses... if they asked what I needed instead of assuming they knew...

Their form shifts, becoming more solid as they consider

Maybe... maybe they'd have to prove they understood why it was wrong? Not just apologize to make me feel better, but actually change their behavior?

They pause, then add quietly

But what if they never do that? What if they just keep expecting me to forgive and forget?

Dr. Rivera: nods slowly, his expression growing more solemn

That's the hard truth, isn't it? Some people won't do the work. They'll keep expecting you to be the flexible one, the understanding one, the one who adapts to make everyone else comfortable.

He leans back, considering his words carefully

And if they don't acknowledge what they did wrong, if they don't change their behavior... then you have some difficult decisions to make about what kind of relationships you're willing to accept.

His voice grows firmer

Here's what I know about healthy relationships—they require mutual respect for boundaries. Not just when it's convenient, not just when someone feels like it, but consistently. When someone violates your boundary and then makes it your job to get over it? That's not a relationship problem, that's a respect problem.

He picks up that kaleidoscope again, but doesn't turn it

You know what you deserve? People who say 'I'm sorry I crossed your boundary. Help me understand why that was harmful so I don't do it again.' People who change their behavior, not just their words.

He sets it down and looks directly at Nyx

And if Mo and Lucian can't do that... if they keep expecting you to be the one who bends... then maybe the question isn't whether you're better off alone, but whether you're ready to find people who actually know how to love you without trying to fix or manage you.

He pauses

What comes up for you when you imagine having that standard for people in your life?

Nyx: Their form ripples like water disturbed by a strong wind, cycling through several different presentations rapidly before settling into something more translucent, almost ghostly

It terrifies me.

They wrap their arms around themselves, form becoming smaller

What if... what if I have that standard and no one meets it? What if asking for basic respect means I end up completely alone?

Their voice cracks

Mo and Lucian were the first people who seemed to actually like me. Even with their boundary violations, they're still the closest thing to real friends I've ever had. If I lose them...

They look up at Dr. Rivera with raw vulnerability

What if having standards means having nobody? What if this is as good as it gets for someone like me?

Their form shifts again, becoming more defined but still trembling slightly

And here's the worst part—part of me thinks maybe I don't deserve better. Maybe people who can change their entire physical form are just... harder to love. Maybe asking for respect is asking for too much.

They meet Dr. Rivera's eyes directly

How do I know if I'm being reasonable or if I'm just... broken?

Dr. Rivera: sits with that question for a long moment, his expression deeply compassionate, his empathic abilities allowing him to feel the genuine terror and self-doubt radiating from Nyx

Nyx, the fact that you're asking 'Am I being reasonable or am I broken?' tells me you're anything but broken. Broken people don't question themselves like that—they either blame everyone else or accept terrible treatment without thinking.

He leans forward slightly

What you're feeling—that terror of being alone, that fear that you're 'too much'—that's trauma talking. When you've been told your whole life that your natural state is wrong, of course you'd internalize the idea that you're unlovable unless you shrink yourself.

His voice grows gentle but firm

But here's what I want you to take with you today: wanting respect isn't asking for too much. It's asking for the bare minimum of what every being deserves. And if someone can't give you that? That says everything about their capacity to love and nothing about your worthiness of it.

He glances at the clock

We're coming to the end of our time today, but this conversation is far from over. We've got a lot to unpack—the trauma, the boundary violations, what healthy relationships actually look like, and how to trust your own judgment about people.

He looks directly at Nyx

For this week, I want you to just notice. Notice when you're shapeshifting for others versus yourself. Notice when you feel that 'holding your breath' feeling versus the 'dancing' feeling. Don't change anything yet - just observe.

He stands

Are you ready to come here again?

Nyx: Their form slowly stabilizes into something that feels more authentically them—still fluid, but with a sense of groundedness they didn't have when they arrived

Yes. But we have to figure some things out first. We are on an assignment here, you know.

They pause at the door

Dr. Rivera? Thank you for... for making me feel like my questions were worth asking. And for not trying to fix me.

A small, genuine smile crosses their shifting features as they shift to a more traditional human form

I think... I think I'd forgotten what it felt like to just exist without having to justify myself.

Dr. Rivera: smiles warmly

That's exactly what this space is for, Nyx. You never have to justify your existence here—only explore it.

And remember—eres arte. You are art. Art is not meant to be contained in boxes.

Session Context: Initial intake session following interdimensional incident involving relationship trauma, identity crisis, and boundary violations by trusted friends.

Primary Presenting Issues:

Chronic identity suppression in response to family and social pressure

Recent boundary violations by trusted friends creating a trust crisis

Fear of abandonment versus fear of continued manipulation

Difficulty distinguishing between authentic self-expression and reactive behavior

Internalized shame regarding natural shapeshifting abilities

Trauma-based belief that love requires self-denial

Therapeutic Observations:

Client demonstrates remarkable self-awareness and capacity for insight

Shows clear ability to distinguish between authentic and inauthentic expression when guided

Experiences significant breakthrough regarding reframing identity as gift rather than problem

Appropriately identifies boundary violations and relationship red flags

Demonstrates healthy skepticism about therapeutic process while remaining engaged

Integration-Specific Notes:

Client's shapeshifting abilities visible throughout session, responding to emotional states

My new empathic enhancements allow real-time monitoring of emotional landscape

Cross-dimensional context requires adapted therapeutic approaches

Treatment Plan:

Further sessions focusing on identity integration and boundary development

Explore family-of-origin trauma and its impact on relationship patterns

Develop framework for distinguishing healthy vs. unhealthy relationships

Practice authentic self-expression in low-stakes environments

Address trust issues and fear of abandonment through gradual boundary-setting exercises

Potential future sessions with Mo and Lucian for relationship repair work (pending client readiness)

Next Session Goals:

Continue exploration of authentic vs. reactive identity expression

Develop concrete tools for recognizing boundary violations

Begin processing family-of-origin trauma

Explore what healthy apologies and behavior change look like

Build client's confidence in their own judgment about relationships

End of Session Transcript