The evening air was thick with the scent of rain and exhaust fumes as the city hummed below. From her penthouse window, the lights of Seoul stretched endlessly, a glittering maze of towers and neon—each one hiding a hunter, a gate, or a secret.
Behind her, the penthouse was quiet, save for the low hum of the television mounted on the wall. A news anchor was speaking, her voice polished and urgent.
News Anchor
...and the revelation of an L-class hunter has sent shockwaves through the Hunter Association. Authorities have yet to confirm the identity, but sources indicate she is part of a high-ranking party currently climbing the Hell Tower...
The phone on the marble counter buzzed again—third time in as many minutes. The group chat icon flashed with a relentless, impatient rhythm.
Lyra Kaelis
RYYYYN. Pick up. Pick up. Pick up. I swear if you're ignoring us because you're brooding by the window like some dramatic anime protagonist—
Kael Arden
Lyra, stop spamming.
Lyra Kaelis
I'll stop when she answers.
Kaelion Veyris
She's probably dealing with the fallout. Give her a minute.
Lucien Kaelwyn
She's had three days. That's enough time.
The phone buzzed once more, and this time, the screen lit up with an incoming call—Kael Arden.
The penthouse's front door chimed, the deep, melodic sound echoing through the open-plan space. A soft chime, then the lock clicked open.
Selene Veyra
Ryn. We're coming up.
The elevator hummed beyond the foyer, and then the doors slid open to reveal the rest of the party, filing in like a small army. Selene led, her sharp silver bob catching the light. Lyra bounced past her, already grinning. Dorian followed with his signature lazy smile, and Lucien slipped in like a shadow, silent and unreadable. At the rear, Kael and Kaelion walked side by side—one cold and composed, the other radiating a quiet authority that seemed to fill the room.
Lyra Kaelis
Okay, so, not to be dramatic, but the entire internet is losing its mind. she flops onto the couch, kicking her boots onto the coffee table You're trending. Like, globally.
Dorian Vale
leaning against the doorframe, arms crossed Lyra's being modest. They've already started making fan edits. I've seen at least three with dramatic music.
Kael Arden
closing the door behind him, voice flat Four. And one of them uses a slow-motion clip of you yawning.
Lucien Kaelwyn
his grey eyes flicking to the window The crowd outside hasn't thinned. They've got drones now.
Kaelion Veyris
stepping forward, violet gaze steady on her We need to talk about what happened in that tower. And what happens next.
The room fell into a charged silence, all eyes turning to her, waiting for her to speak.