"If you were in the mood for a prank, you should've just said so. There was no need to go this far."
She walked toward the bathroom without waiting for a response.
Mr. Crow frowned, unease settling in his chest.
"That's a misunderstanding," he called after her, his voice low but firm. "I didn't prank you. Not even for a moment."
Lana didn't bother turning back. She simply waved her hand again, brushing off his words as if they meant nothing.
Inside the bathroom, warm steam soon filled the air. Water cascaded over her shoulders, washing away the remnants of sleep.
The crystal lay forgotten on the counter, distant and unimportant in her mind.
She didn't take it seriously at all.
After dressing, she left the mansion and soon arrived at a quiet café, settling into a private room reserved in advance.
She waited only a short while before the door opened.
Monica walked in.
Lana studied her carefully. Monica had changed, subtly, but unmistakably.
