In the Present

  A Few Moments Later

  Still on the Rooftop of That Building

  Salin could be seen, now in full control of her body since Kalin had returned to her subconscious, trying to process the information about the situation they were about to face inside the event.

  [Salin — Worried & Serene Voice] Love... [deep, thoughtful breath] —

  Mia took a slow, steady breath, controlling the invisible force that emanated from her body. As she turned her face slightly to the side, her eyes—formerly completely white, without irises—had returned to a human appearance.

  They reflected the conflicting emotions within her, emotions stirred by the fear of disappearing once again.

  [Mia — Serene & Empty Voice] ...our little daughter, Emi, is waiting for us in her beautiful bedroom. But before we go to her, we must try to investigate the disappearance of our friend Emily... and of my aunt Nox. [hopeful, slightly tearful sigh] —

  [Salin — Whispering, Worried & Serene] Mia... [deep, thoughtful breath] —

  With Mia's words echoing through the silence of the rooftop, Salin moved to stand at her side, also looking down toward the event below. Her eyes fixated on the factory, where the informant would soon arrive, seeking a new "toy" for his own entertainment.

  [Mia — Thoughtful & Melancholic Voice] Love, do you think that Emi, with all these months we've spent investigating, will be angry with us in the future because of our daily absence from her side for so many hours? —

  [Salin — Cheerful & Confident Voice] Mia, I'm certain she won't, my love. When she's old enough to understand, she'll know that during the hours we are far from her, we're trying to save the two people who would give everything just to see her happy and smiling at this very moment. [deep, hopeful sigh] —

  Instinctively, Mia took Salin's hand, transmitting not only love and trust in having her by her side, but also the sense of safety and motivation that Salin always brought her — even more now, knowing their daughter waited at the end of whatever was about to unfold.

  [Mia — Serene & Happy Voice] Hey, my love... Thank you so much for being by my side. —

  [Salin — Hopeful & Confident Voice] Hey, there's no need to thank me. I'm only doing the minimum — staying with you in the best and worst moments of our battles, remember? [soft, good-humored & happy laugh] —

  [Mia — Serene & Happy Voice] Even so... I don't know what would have happened to me during these three years. All of this has been making me feel so much anger and hatred... not only for what they did to Emily and Nox, but... [deep, angry breath] —

  [Salin — Slightly Worried Voice] "But"? —

  [Mia — Serene & Steady Voice, Yet Holding Emotion] ...But also because of what those damned Oculi are possibly planning with the numerous patrols near the region where my mother, my father, and my siblings still live. [lightly trembling sigh] —

  [Salin — Worried & Thoughtful Voice] Mia... —

  [Mia — Serene & Sincere Voice] I should be with my family with everything that's happening... but right now, my priority is my daughter's safety — above my own and above my pain. —

  Upon hearing these words, Salin understood just how divided Mia's heart was — not into two parts, but into many.

  She wished for each of these "pieces" to be kept safe at any cost, far from the danger the Oculi brought with their presence.

  Her heart belonged to her current family, her parents, her siblings, her best friend Emily, and her aunt Nox.

  So many fragments of her heart longed to give everything — even the last drop of her blood — burning with rage and hatred toward the Oculi.

  [Mia — Serene & Melancholic Voice] If it weren't for the weekly "visits" from Keain, Aunt Nox's best friend, during these past months — unnoticed by my mother, my father, and my siblings in the middle of the night — I... [rageful, slightly trembling sigh] —

  Yet every time the anger and hatred tried to consume her, her heart beat harder. Unconsciously, she remembered her daughter, Emi, smiling with her slightly wavy blond hair, laughing as she looked at Mia — sitting on Salin's shoulders, joyfully playing "horsey" at a playground.

  [Salin — Hopeful & Confident Voice] Hey, my love... Keain is certainly taking great care of your family's safety in their old country home, even if it's from the shadows — and sometimes far from their awareness. My love... —

  It was clear that if not for her daughter grounding her, Mia would have dived head-first into her thirst for vengeance and for answers against the Oculi, disregarding her mental sanity and physical well-being.

  [Mia — Serene & Emotionally Worn Voice] If it weren't for Mr. Keain's help, I... I would surely have gone mad with worry for each one of them — especially my two little sisters and my youngest brother, Harry. [deep, melancholic sigh] —

  [Salin — hopeful & confident voice] Love, with all that, while Keain watches over your family personally, we will do everything within our reach here on the front lines against the Oculi's threats, because... [soft, assertive sigh] —

  [Mia — Serene & Subtly Confused Voice] "Because"? —

  [Salin — Hopeful & Confident Voice] Because... we must return, you and I, to our beloved and beautiful daughter at the end of each new day of struggle. Emi will be at home waiting for us — to play and make us smile, just as it should be every day in a better future. [light-hearted & cheerful laugh] —

  At the end of Salin's warm and motivating words, Mia unconsciously tightened her grip on her hand, gazing softly toward the sky. At the same time, her eyes turned completely white again, reflecting the intensity of the emotions consuming her.

  Mia was deeply affected by what she felt while touching Salin — by the sense of safety and affection she received from her. Her only wish was for Salin to be happy and well, no matter the cost, as long as such happiness included her own full happiness too.

  [Mia — Serene & Hopeful Voice] May this informant have information about Emily or my aunt Nox, so that this whole fight can finally come to an end and we can live together — you and I — with our Emi, somewhere far from the Oculi's hands and from the troubles they bring into our world. [deep, hopeful breath] —

  Later That Night

  A Few Minutes Later

  Downtown

  Scarlet Petal Event

  A case of literary theft: this tale is not rightfully on Amazon; if you see it, report the violation.

  Amid the lights of the musical event, the three floors of the renovated old factory where the party is taking place come into view. Everyone there seems joyful, enjoying the music.

  Their bodies move almost instinctively with every beat, in sync with the shifting lights and the sweeping lasers that cut through the entire venue.

  The narrative focuses on Mia as she walks toward the bar counter in her stunning black dress, her beautiful blonde hair making her stand out among the crowd.

  Many people enjoying the event shiver as she passes by, her piercing gaze sharp like a blade, combined with her beautiful, teasing smile.

  [(Mia — Serious & Disgusted Thought) This event is really fun, but... Knowing how much "shit" lies behind all this energetic happiness and joy makes me sick...]

  When she reaches the bar, Mia sits on one of the stools and orders a tequila. As she does so, she notices a man with a charming smile that lightly hypnotizes her.

  Not only because of his lips, but also because of the way he glances at her after making the same order, confirming that he noticed her.

  [(Mia — Serious & Disgusted Thought) So the idiot has already noticed me, very good... Now we enter phase two, then...)]

  [Mia — Cheerful & Provocative Voice] ...So, you like tequila too, sir?... —

  Upon hearing Mia speak to him, the man immediately moves toward the stool where she is seated, after receiving his shot of tequila from the bartender on the stage.

  He approaches with almost masterful confidence, getting a stunning view of her thighs, partially exposed by the slit on one side of her dress.

  This adds an imposing presence to her beauty, reinforced by her provocative and seductive posture.

  [Man — Confident & Provocative Voice] I've never seen a girl as beautiful as you at any of these events. I would offer you a drink, but it seems your lips desired one before I even had the chance to do it with my own hands, miss... You may call me Hark. [Soft Provocative Laugh] —

  Hearing his cheesy and, at the same time, pathetic compliments, Mia decides to stay in character. She responds with an embarrassed yet slightly teasing laugh while delicately drinking her tequila.

  This makes the man stare at her intently, mesmerized by the way her lips touch the glass. Setting the glass down on the counter, she immediately throws him a glance that sends a shiver through his body.

  Mia forms a provocative smile, seducing him even further.

  [Mia — Subtly Playful & Seductive Voice] You may call me Mia. But if you want me to call you by a different name later, you'll have to give me good reasons for it. For now, I only have one drink in my hands, Mister Hark. [Provocative Laugh]

  Upon hearing those words, Hark feels his body tremble at the sensation Mia evokes — not only because of her presence, but also because of her words. They make him desire her even more, especially in a more intimate setting.

  Meanwhile, the perspective shifts to a communication device — audio-only, no response — discreetly positioned in Mia's ear.

  With a quick motion, she turns her attention to the person on the other end, revealed to be Salin, whose short hair has several white streaks.

  Salin is visibly on the third floor, looking in the direction where Mia and Hark converse cheerfully and seductively.

  The scene appears almost magical to any outside observer, as the two share another shot of tequila.

  Watching this moment, Salin lets out a joyful smile. In the blink of an eye, his eyes turn completely white, without pupils or irises.

  He pulls back from the railing, observing the moment when all the lights and lasers sweep across the event, the endless music playing, everyone dancing — many kissing intensely.

  [Salin's Voice Through the Earpiece] Have fun with him, my love... When that fool gets "joyfully tipsy," coax him into taking you to one of the luxury rooms where he's staying in the sublevel beneath the event. [Sadistic & Playful Laugh] —

  Hearing Salin's message through her communicator, Mia smiles even more brightly and enthusiastically, confirming she heard his instructions.

  This gesture makes Salin leave his position and begin walking through the event as if he were just another person enjoying the atmosphere.

  [Salin's Voice Through the Earpiece] This way, we'll get the information we want, whether the bastard cooperates or not. Because by the end of tonight, there will be no trace left of that wretched Oculi — filthy and despicable. [Sadistic & Playful Laugh] —

  As he advances a few meters into the crowd, Salin seems to become imperceptible, while everyone around him continues dancing joyfully. The lights dim until only the lasers illuminate the venue.

  The wider perspective of the event reveals the world gradually slowing, people smiling, drinking, kissing — all illuminated by the swirling, shifting lasers.

  [DJ's Voice — Excited & Energetic Shout] SO, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, LET THE MAIN EVENT OF THE NIGHT BEGIN!!! [Music Beats Growing Stronger & More Exciting] —

  A Few Minutes Later

  Third Floor of the Event

  Red Petal Event — Basement Level

  Hark can be seen with Mia in a more private room, where several guards are stationed at the entrance, ensuring security while, outside, people dance and talk amid the loud music. Inside the private room, the sound is softly muffled.

  Mia notices Hark's advances as he tries to get closer and touch her legs in a provocative way. This triggers an extreme repulsion in her — one she cannot express at the moment due to her current mission.

  She immediately circumvents the situation with a provocative smile toward Hark. He realizes, through Mia's piercing gaze, that he is playing a dangerous and yet pleasurable game.

  Hark then presses his lips against Mia's in a swift movement, triggering an explosion of inner fury within her. One of her hands tightens so forcefully that her nerves seem to protrude beneath the skin.

  At the same time, she hears Salin's voice through her communicator, urging her to continue with the plan, even though it is unpleasant for him to witness Mia kissing another man. Without showing her anger, Mia relaxes her hand.

  The kiss lasts only ten seconds, but for Mia, it feels like an eternity. When Hark's lips finally part from hers, his eyes remain closed, lost in the almost magical sensation of Mia's kiss — the softness and texture of her lips.

  [(Mia — Thought, Empty & Serene) ...I swear I'm going to rip your tongue out for making me feel it on my lips, you bastard!]

  [Mia — Whispering, Provocative & Slightly Breathless] — ...Interesting, your lips are so delicious to feel. My body also wants more of them. However, in this small room, I can't do what I want with you, Mister Hark. [Playful & Provocative Sigh] —

  Upon hearing those words, Hark's body heats up immediately and he begins to breathe heavily. The woman before him, with her long, vibrant blonde hair, defies his notion of "divinity."

  Her eyes, as pure and gentle as they are, also seem dangerous and provocative. To further disturb Hark's sanity — who is already obsessed with her — Mia decides to take another sip of tequila.

  She maintains a soft and sensual posture, crossing her legs, and as she adjusts a strand of her hair that had fallen over her face, she sends a shiver through Hark, who cannot understand how Mia manages to affect him so deeply.

  [Hark — Voice, Disbelieving & Pleasured] You're from another world, Miss Mia... Every move you make is like a blade cutting through my sanity. I want you to be only mine, and no one else's, after tonight. What do you think? —

  After finishing her soda, Sasha sets the glass gently on the table and approaches where they sit — on a luxurious black sofa, very close to each other.

  Mia forms a smile on her lips, one that attempts to show delight at what Hark just said, while hiding the deep disgust she feels for him — an emotion completely lost on Hark, who remains unaware of her repulsion.

  [Salin's Voice Through the Communicator] Mia, I know you hate doing this, but it's time for an "ultimatum." If he doesn't take you to a private room, we won't have privacy. [Heavy, nervous breathing] —

  [Salin's Voice Through the Communicator] Since there are many Oculi at this event, we cannot risk triggering a massacre of innocent people just because of this despicable man. [Heavy, nervous breathing] —

  [Mia — Provocative & Slightly Breathless Voice] — Mister Hark, what keeps you from having me all to yourself after tonight is nothing more than your duties to be fulfilled between four walls and a good bed. [Playful, provocative sigh] —

  The moment Mia's words reach him, his heart begins to race, beating out of rhythm as she suddenly leans toward one of his ears. It gives him the sensation of a world slowing down as he watches Mia's beautiful blonde hair sway softly before his eyes.

  [Mia — Sensual & Slightly Breathless Whisper] — So, what do you say? Are you going to treat me like a great woman in your private chambers, or am I teasing too much with a "teenager" trapped in the body of a grown man, Mister Hark...? [Ironic & Provocative Sigh] —

  Faced with that provocation, Hark's eyes widen and, in a single blink — amid the raging ocean of emotions and desires consuming him at that moment — Hark unintentionally reveals his true eyes: completely black, with no pupils or irises.

  Hank responds with a pleasurable smile, at once hungry for every part of Mia in that moment, as he breathes in the sweet scent of her perfume on his neck, now so close to his face.

  [Hank — Sadistic & Pleasurable Voice] — You're playing with fire, Miss Mia... Between four walls, with no one to distract or bother us, I will make you the woman closest to the stars while you're on top of me in bed. [Soft Sadistic & Playful Laugh] —

  The perspective seems to gently suspend time, turning around the two of them, so close and yet distant in their intentions. It reveals Mia smiling with an empty, yet cheerful look in her eyes.

  Meanwhile, Hark is grinning with his eyes entirely black, and they are so close to each other that their faces cannot even be seen. Mia's lips are near Hark's ear, and he does the same in return at that moment.

  [(Hark — Pleasurable & Sadistic Thought) ...I don't know where you came from, Miss Mia... But I will definitely add you to my collection of "rare products," not only because of your intense scent, but also for the quality of your flesh... (Joyful & Sadistic Laugh)]

  [(Mia — Serene & Empty Thought) ...Just endure a little longer in this filthy situation, Mia. In a few minutes, after this idiot takes me to his room, he will like the surprise waiting for him so much that he'll end up in pieces after all my "love." (Deep & Empty Breath)]

  The scene shifts quickly, leaving the private room and revealing Salin again, now on the third floor, watching the event from above. His hair, once streaked with white, was now completely white, indicating that Salin had handed over full control of his body to Kalin.

  Kalin, with his white hair, leaned against the safety rail, enjoying a glass of whiskey. As he watched, he noticed Mia and Hark leaving the private room and heading toward Hark's personal quarters in the underground level.

  Both were laughing gleefully, followed by two security guards during their entire path to the elevator reserved for event visitors — not for the prominent figures in attendance.

  Meanwhile, Kalin observed Hark from the corner of his eye as he followed Mia down the hallway, wrapping his arm around her waist and, at times, lowering his hand to her butt and squeezing it.

  Kalin felt an overwhelming disgust at Hark's despicable behavior, especially considering he was inhabiting Salin's body.

  [Kalin & Salin — Serene & Empty Whisper] Mia, when you reach the elevator, activate the tracker, and we'll meet in a few minutes after you step out of it.

  [Kalin & Salin — Serene & Empty Whisper] Try to endure this "idiot animal" just a little longer. Good luck — see you soon. [Deep & Confident Breath] —

  — Extra Content —

  Reginae Faction: The loyal followers of Lilian, successor to the Oculi throne, along with her royal sisters who seek to forget the events involving their queen, longing once again for the harmony among the Oculi that their beloved queen fought so hard to achieve in life.

  Inanis Faction: The Oculi followers consumed by the desire for revenge and disdain align themselves with the distorted ideals of the Begeneri twins. They seek to avenge the death of their beloved queen at the hands of humans in the past, although, paradoxically, the Begeneri twins hide from even their most loyal followers their true plan: to stop, at any cost, the continuation of the Unitatem across multiple realities, thus preventing widespread pain and suffering.