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.
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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.
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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.
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"ID."
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She blinked up at the bouncer, confused as he held out his hand.
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ID? She never needed an ID before. As a noble, her name alone granted her access everywhere. But here… she was just another stranger.
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Fumbling through her pockets, she let out an awkward chuckle. "U-Um… I don’t have one."
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The bouncer didn’t even flinch. "Then you’re not getting in."
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"Is it really necessary?"
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"It’s the law. We check IDs to confirm age. No ID, no entry."
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"What’s the required age?" she asked.
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"19 and above."
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Damn it. She was two years younger.
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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—
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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.
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Her breath hitched.
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Sensing eyes on her, the woman slowly turned her head, their gazes locking.
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Caught red-handed staring, she stepped forward. "A-Are you alright, ma’am?"
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The woman let out a hoarse chuckle, her voice rough from exhaustion. "Does it look like I am?"
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Philomela stiffened. "I-I'm sorry, that was blind of me to ask." She bowed instinctively.
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The woman tilted her head. "No need to bow, child."
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---
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The woman’s POV
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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.
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But what the hell was she wearing? A cape and hood? She looked like a lost character from a Halloween parade.
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"D-Do you need help, ma’am?" the girl asked, concern laced in her voice.
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The woman smirked. "Hmm… I suppose I do. What, are you going to take me to the nearest hospital?"
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"Isn’t that what help means?"
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The woman threw her head back and laughed. The girl blinked at her, utterly confused.
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"Did I say something funny…?"
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"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.
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She leaned in slightly. "Come closer, would you?"
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The girl stepped back, wary. "And why would I do that?"
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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."
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"W-What?!"
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The woman let out another laugh. "Relax, kid. I’m just kidding."
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"O-Oh…"
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The tension was beginning to settle—until heavy footsteps approached.
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Large, broad-shouldered men in dark suits stormed into the alley, their hands already reaching into their pockets.
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The woman clicked her tongue. "Relax, boys. She was just keeping me company."
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The men exchanged glances before withdrawing their hands.
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"Of course, Noonim," one of them said respectfully.
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The woman sighed, rolling her shoulders. "Well, I have to be going now, kid."
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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.
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"See you around," she murmured, stepping into her car.
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The tinted window slid up, but not before she shot the girl a wink.
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The Lady barely had time to react before noticing something in her hand. She opened her palm and found a small, neatly folded note.
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"See you♡"
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She exhaled sharply. "Huh…" she's really goofy."
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