"You just wanted to mark me as yours."
Irina choked.
Astron watched as she flailed for a response, her face rapidly heating up. "Wha—?! I—?! That is NOT—! I mean—!"
"Your name is InfernoQueen," Astron continued, his tone as even as ever. "You deliberately chose a name that complements yours. The implication is clear."
Irina's eyes darted around the room as if searching for an escape route. "L-Look, don't get the wrong idea! It's just branding! Branding, okay?! You need a strong, coordinated brand when playing online!"
Astron let the silence stretch just a little longer.
Then, finally, he gave her an out.
"I see," he said, feigning contemplation. "So, this is purely for strategic reasons?"
"YES." Irina nodded so fast she might have given herself whiplash. "Totally. 100%. Absolutely no other reason whatsoever."
"Hmm."
Astron leaned back slightly, fingers tapping idly against his controller. His eyes returned to the screen, where the name was now permanently set in place.
