Ophelia hadn’t changed—still rocking a baseball cap, jeans, and that effortless blend of youth and lethal grace.
Only difference? Today she wore flat leather boots, polished to a mirror shine.
Aeliana, though?
A whole new vibe.
Beige trench coat left unbuttoned, soft pink blouse underneath.
White tights hugging her long legs.
Twin ponytails bounced with every step, framing those black-crystal eyes that sparkled with mischief.
Hands tucked in her pockets, she tilted her head at Red Hair, all innocence and lethal promise.
Seeing two women, Red Hair’s bravado surged.
He raised his machete, snarling, "Get lost, bitches!"
"Such a dirty mouth," Aeliana pouted.
Red Hair lunged—
*Clang.*
The machete hit the pavement.
A split second later, Red Hair’s scream tore through the night, high-pitched and raw.
He staggered back, clutching his hand, fingers bent at unnatural angles.
"Hospital! Someone get me to the hospital—my fingers, my *fingers*—"