Leona didn't say another word.
She looked at the device in her hand—so small, yet suddenly heavy. Her fingers tightened around it as if surrendering it would strip her of something personal, something fragile she wasn't ready to name. Pride? Friendship? Or perhaps something else entirely—something connected to Jin, something she'd never dared admit.
Rena saw it. That moment of hesitation. That brief flicker of vulnerability Leona tried to mask behind a stubborn smile. It hurt to see it, and yet... it didn't ease the pressure building inside her chest.
"I think," Rena said carefully, her voice low, "that maybe… it's better if you don't come this time."
Leona blinked, the words hitting her like a slow slap across the face.
"You think so too?" she whispered.
"It's not like that," Rena added quickly, guilt rising in her throat. "It's just… a lot is changing. And I don't even know how I'm going to handle it. I need time to figure things out without worrying if I'm being a good host. You understand, don't you?"
Leona looked down, lips pressed into a thin line. She didn't respond right away.
But then she nodded.
Slowly.
"I get it," she said. "Don't worry. I won't be a burden."
Without looking anyone in the eye, Leona turned and walked away.
Her silver hair shimmered under the late afternoon sun, but she didn't look back.
Rena watched her go, something bitter swirling in her stomach. She wanted to run after her, to fix it—but she didn't. Couldn't. Not now.
Lilia stepped forward, placing a gentle hand on Rina's arm. "You did what you had to. Leona's strong. She'll get over it."
Rena nodded, but said nothing.
Ethan checked his watch. "You should get going.
Rena forced a dry laugh. "She doesn't tolerate anything less than perfection."
Lilia offered a small smile. "You'll be fine."
Then Nox, quiet until now, stepped toward Rena. His face was stern, but his tone softened.
"Stay sharp. If anything happens there, if anyone tries to push you too hard, or make you feel unsafe—call us. Any of us. You're not alone, Rena."
She felt a swell of warmth at that. "Thank you, Nox."
He gave her a short nod.
With that, Rena reached into her pocket and retrieved the sleek black crystal Jin had given her. It pulsed softly in her palm—strangely warm, like it was responding to her presence.
A gentle twist of mana, and the crystal activated. A faint hum filled the air, and the space around her distorted into a shimmering oval of energy. The portal to the Roche estate.
She looked back at her friends one last time.
Then she stepped through.
---
**The World Changed.**
Again.
The moment she emerged from the portal, everything shifted. The air here was heavier, tinged with something arcane and ancient. The Rotschy estate was massive, looming ahead like a black monument carved into the land. Its spires reached toward the sky, obsidian stone glinting beneath the evening sun. Banners bearing the silver crescent fluttered in the wind, regal and ominous.
Rena stood on the stone path, heart pounding.
Her home now.
The idea still felt foreign. Unsettling.
She adjusted her bag on her shoulder and took her first step forward.
"Welcome back, Lady Rena."
The voice was familiar—soft, elegant, with a cool undertone.
Siôn.
The tall woman in her black tailored suit appeared from the side, her silver-rimmed glasses glinting in the light, her expression unreadable as always.
"Master Jin informed us of your arrival," Siôn continued. "Lady Naoko is expecting you in the east wing. She wishes to begin your orientation into the household… and your training."
Rena swallowed.
"Thank you," she said quietly.
As she followed Siôn through the grand halls, she couldn't help but feel a creeping tension settle in her shoulders.
Her friends were behind her.
The future ahead was uncertain.
But there was no turning back now.
.........
Heat: So what do you think about the development of feelings for Yuna? Do you think it's love or another kind of feeling? 😀😀😀
Note: Sion is herself with Jin and Naoko, but with Rena, she hasn't gotten used to it yet.