White Phoenix and the Darkness Behind the Black Door

Alex gave a small nod, a subtle smile tugging at the corner of his lips.

Inside his mind…

White Alex:

"Our goddess showed us gratitude! What are you waiting for?! Express our love! Go for it, GO FOR IT!"

Black Alex (sighing as he smacks White Alex on the head):

"She's thanking us. Which we obviously deserve. Still… it does feel kinda nice."

Back in the real world, Alex gave a tiny nod—as if agreeing with his inner self.

Rina, sitting opposite Alex, exhaled deeply. Her golden, lion-like eyes locked onto his with quiet resolve.

"Alex—"

He turned toward her, his dark purple eyes narrowing slightly, guarded.

Selene also looked at Rina, a hint of sympathy in her pale blue gaze.

Rina clenched her fist under the table, exhaled again, and said:

"I'm sorry… for what I did to you."

Alex opened his mouth to respond, but Rina raised a hand.

"Please… let me finish first."