Ryu felt different.
Not stronger, not better. Just... heavier.
Since that night in front of the mirror, every sound felt sharper. Every glance from Alice lingered longer. And now, something else had arrived.
The sky was gray when she appeared.
It was just another morning at school. Ryu sat with Daiki, Ryota, Ren, and Haruto, trying to act normal. But then the classroom door opened.
"We have a new student," the teacher said. "Please welcome Mizuki Zevaroth."
She stepped in like she owned the world. Tall. Pale. Long black hair that shimmered blue in the light. Her eyes were silver-gray and cold as steel. She wore the uniform perfectly, but with a personal touch—black earrings shaped like crescent moons and a small crimson pendant.
She scanned the room, and her eyes landed on Ryu.
For a second, he couldn't breathe.
"Nice to meet you," she said softly.
The teacher pointed. "You can sit next to Ryu Tatzuki."
Daiki looked at Ryu and raised an eyebrow. Haruto grinned.
She walked toward him, each step deliberate. Her presence was... heavy. Like Alice's. But colder. Deeper.
"So," she whispered, once seated, "you're the one carrying him."
Ryu blinked. "What?"
Mizuki smiled. Not kindly.
Lunchtime brought no peace.
Ryu couldn't focus. Mizuki barely spoke to anyone else. But she kept glancing at him, as if dissecting his soul.
Alice sat nearby, watching.
When the final bell rang, Ryu tried to slip away—but both girls followed.
In the school courtyard, beneath the dying light of the sun, Mizuki finally spoke aloud.
"You smell like him. Like a dying flame that refuses to fade."
"Stay away from him," Alice interrupted. Her voice was sharp.
Mizuki turned slowly.
Their eyes met. Mismatched brilliance against cold void.
"Angel," Mizuki said flatly.
"Demon," Alice replied, already drawing light into her hand.
The air vibrated.
But Mizuki only smiled. "I'm not here to fight. Not yet. I'm here to see if he survives long enough to matter."
Then she turned to Ryu.
"You carry something precious. But if you fail to contain it... I'll rip it out myself."
With that, she walked away.
Alice didn't move.
Ryu stood between them, the sky darkening above.
He felt like a thread pulled from both sides.
And deep inside, the voice whispered:
"Two daughters of light and darkness circle the flame. Which one will smother it first?"