The city was alive. Neon lights illuminated every corner, flashing in reds, blues, and golds, reflecting off the bustling streets filled with honking cars and distant chatter.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAncb3X90SHI
She walked along the sidewalk, eyes darting between the towering buildings, unfamiliar storefronts, and lively crowds. Everything was so bright—too bright. Her home in Beaufort never buzzed with this much energy at night.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAohbJD91U7J
Her wandering thoughts halted when her gaze landed on a bar glowing under a deep crimson light. Something about it intrigued her. She stepped forward, but before she could enter, a broad figure blocked her path.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAAxI2CfN3ji
"ID."
193Please respect copyright.PENANADnDvp4D47v
She blinked up at the bouncer, confused as he held out his hand.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAm2vdEKQph3
ID? She never needed an ID before. As a noble, her name alone granted her access everywhere. But here… she was just another stranger.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAaXPj8T1ESt
Fumbling through her pockets, she let out an awkward chuckle. "U-Um… I don’t have one."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAWWpbIec4Bl
The bouncer didn’t even flinch. "Then you’re not getting in."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAFbTJ9yQht6
"Is it really necessary?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAgTyRkWfGwz
"It’s the law. We check IDs to confirm age. No ID, no entry."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAqMgy0m1btx
"What’s the required age?" she asked.
193Please respect copyright.PENANABj8wGbqdjt
"19 and above."
193Please respect copyright.PENANArVTbabJvgm
Damn it. She was two years younger.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAphZoWffIsO
With a sigh, she turned to leave, but just as she took a step away, hushed voices from the alley behind the bar caught her attention. She hesitated before peeking around the corner—
193Please respect copyright.PENANAkAF1itOvTp
A woman stood there, panting heavily, her black suit torn in places, and her shoulder smeared with blood. Her platinum-white hair clung to her damp forehead as she clutched a mask, pressing it to her face as if trying to keep it from slipping.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAVrn3oTt07P
Her breath hitched.
193Please respect copyright.PENANA2mnA29PyIT
Sensing eyes on her, the woman slowly turned her head, their gazes locking.
193Please respect copyright.PENANA8Q34Sd3iFz
Caught red-handed staring, she stepped forward. "A-Are you alright, ma’am?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAA7Xu0X0lml
The woman let out a hoarse chuckle, her voice rough from exhaustion. "Does it look like I am?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAUFGdoCBt22
Philomela stiffened. "I-I'm sorry, that was blind of me to ask." She bowed instinctively.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAdRslTPQmdq
The woman tilted her head. "No need to bow, child."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAuKzUXd4ngq
---
193Please respect copyright.PENANAA7ViKdPPLV
The woman’s POV
193Please respect copyright.PENANAiTFwYAQsvZ
Formal. That was the first thing she noticed about the girl. From the way she spoke to the way she bowed—definitely not a local.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAyliKSFTBtm
But what the hell was she wearing? A cape and hood? She looked like a lost character from a Halloween parade.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAY179WBp5nX
"D-Do you need help, ma’am?" the girl asked, concern laced in her voice.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAv6EdPQb4E9
The woman smirked. "Hmm… I suppose I do. What, are you going to take me to the nearest hospital?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAMUFrOvJpTL
"Isn’t that what help means?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAF3blAeT3CR
The woman threw her head back and laughed. The girl blinked at her, utterly confused.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAOJkMGHzjFH
"Did I say something funny…?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANA5XjwU7uhW4
"No, I’m just messing with you." She wiped a stray tear from her eye. But now that she got a reaction out of her, she wanted to tease her more.
193Please respect copyright.PENANA7OPAXd8jU7
She leaned in slightly. "Come closer, would you?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAGRObpwrjES
The girl stepped back, wary. "And why would I do that?"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAhiDDcRvh10
The woman’s lips curled. "So I can see you properly…" Her sharp eyes traced the girl's features. "And maybe because I just want you near."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAmbdNciTwJQ
"W-What?!"
193Please respect copyright.PENANALD3UK19Pdj
The woman let out another laugh. "Relax, kid. I’m just kidding."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAgI6VQ82Rko
"O-Oh…"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAotooMc76Kg
The tension was beginning to settle—until heavy footsteps approached.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAVQ9Ldo06QV
Large, broad-shouldered men in dark suits stormed into the alley, their hands already reaching into their pockets.
193Please respect copyright.PENANA155ADgBOAO
The woman clicked her tongue. "Relax, boys. She was just keeping me company."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAm09Ux6kZfW
The men exchanged glances before withdrawing their hands.
193Please respect copyright.PENANA1DkZYwgiV7
"Of course, Noonim," one of them said respectfully.
193Please respect copyright.PENANA4EBdLBvWlR
The woman sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Well, I have to be going now, kid."
193Please respect copyright.PENANABhI6DTigVZ
She pushed off the wall and—despite her earlier state—walked with ease, as if she wasn’t just gasping for air a moment ago. As she passed the girl, she smirked.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAZtzwLHFAEO
"See you around," she murmured, stepping into her car.
193Please respect copyright.PENANARk2vAtI3cl
The tinted window slid up, but not before she shot the girl a wink.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAuOKg6E9wRN
The Lady barely had time to react before noticing something in her hand. She opened her palm and found a small, neatly folded note.
193Please respect copyright.PENANAafto48fQED
"See you♡"
193Please respect copyright.PENANAzEfo0UYFVe
She exhaled sharply. "Huh…" she's really goofy."
193Please respect copyright.PENANAyEIvdzLkNY
193Please respect copyright.PENANA1oQOFGj05X