Beside a vast circular swimming pool, Anna reclined on a deck chair, gazing at the black leather-bound book in her hand. The text within looked twisted and evil, as if it were faintly wriggling.
GURGLE. GURGLE. A few small bubbles slowly rose from the pool.
Anna glanced at the pool, a slight smile curling her lips.
WHOOSH—
A dark shadow leaped from the water's surface and flew straight toward Anna. It was a massive green eyeball.
SLAP—
A tentacle extended from beneath Anna's skirt and precisely struck the eyeball, sending it flying back.
GURGLE. GURGLE. More bubbles rose from beneath the water.
Another eyeball flew over, only to be struck back by Anna once more.
After a few back-and-forths, the air filled with more and more eyeballs, and an equal number of tentacles stretched out from Anna's body. The two were playing an even match.
But when the distant door opened and a group from the Heike Clan entered, the boisterous pool quickly fell silent.
