I watched my parents shuffle around the kitchen, Luka's massive frame dwarfing Mom as she handed him plates to dry. The domestic routine they've settled into over the years still feels alien to me. In my previous life, "family dinner" meant yakuza lieutenants arguing over sake about which hostess club had the best girls.
"The water pressure in the shower is terrible," Luka complained as he wiped a plate with his massive hands. "I'll check the pipes tomorrow."
"You said that three days ago," Mom pointed out, scrubbing a pot.
"Did I? Well, tomorrow for sure then."
I scrolled through my tablet, researching the VHC Gala. The guest list was impressive—guild representatives, government officials, top-ranked Hunters. Perfect hunting ground for someone like me. Especially since one name stood out: Celeste Vance, younger sister of Seraphina Vance, the VHC President.
My fingers traced over her academy profile picture.
