"We’ll handle it from here."

Stella clicked her tongue softly.

"...Right."

She reached into her coat and produced a small metallic badge, holding it up just enough for the two of them to see.

"Stella Mars," she said, voice steady. "Main Branch. Mystic Law Enforcement."

For a moment, both of their eyes widened, even flinching before they caught themselves. The man, Darius, straightened as he adjusted his jacket.

"Understood."

Yet, he didn’t move aside. "However, this falls under Ghoul Division jurisdiction."

Stella’s eyes narrowed. "We have an active massacre scene with multiple high-profile casualties. You have no right to lock down without—"

"We do," the woman cut in, pulling out her phone. "By protocol."

"..."

"Section 7, Clause 32 states that an incident will be processed through the corresponding division first. After initial handling, it will be transferred and distributed to the appropriate departments," she continued.

"That includes yours."

Stella’s grip tightened around her badge before clicking her tongue.

"Tch...fine."

She turned away, slipping the badge back into her coat.

"Let’s go."

Aren turned with her, guiding Miu along as the three of them moved away from the scene, stepping over the carnage and shattered glass without another word.

He turned to get one last look at the two members of Ghoul Division. They both held a professional look at first glance, yet something about them felt off...

Even with such carnage, not a shred of empathy was found within those eyes that stared back at Aren.

Yeah...something’s definitely wrong with them.

The moment the doors shut behind them, multiple police cars were already present on the scene. Officers were taping around the perimeter with yellow tape as they passed by.

One officer rushed over to question them, only to be shut down immediately by Stella and her badge.

Goes to show how much influence she actually did have.

"...Ghoul Division."

Miu stayed close beside him, her grip still tight around his sleeve, though the trembling had lessened just slightly.

"I’m going to dig into this," Stella turned to face them. "Ghoul Division, Aetherion, whatever the hell that was in there—I want answers."

Aren nodded once. "...Be careful."

Stella scoffed lightly. "Yeah, keep in touch with me."

With that, she disappeared into the crowd, her figure quickly swallowed by the movement of people still trying to make sense of what had just happened.

Aren let out a quiet breath, finally addressing the problem. "...You okay?" he asked, glancing down.

Miu nodded faintly, though she didn’t let go. "...I think so."

His gaze shifted briefly toward the exit. There was nothing left for them here, not right now at least.

"...Let’s get out of here," Aren said at last.

He guided her along, stepping out into the open streets. Heads turned as they witnessed two people strolling down the street in bloodied suits and dresses, immediately steering clear.

But Aren paid them no mind, his head was stuck on what had happened.

Heaven...Ghoul Division...Aetherion...Director Khan.

Ugh, these just seem like buzzwords at this point. What the hell is going on in the Western Dominion?

One moment, I thought I would get some answers on either the drake or Luna’s cure...and the next I’m roped up in some kind of military controversy.

He exhaled slowly, dragging his thoughts back before they spiraled any further. 𝑓𝘳𝑒𝑒𝓌𝘦𝘣𝘯ℴ𝑣𝘦𝑙.𝘤𝑜𝑚

...Focus.

But the first sensation he felt was Miu’s grip on his hand. If anything, it was beginning to tighten again as she gazed out into the distance.

Aren sighed before steering off the main street and into a quieter row of shops. "Come on, let’s get some new clothes."

Miu paused for a second before glancing down at herself, finally noticing the state she was in. "...Oh, yeah. Agreed."

It didn’t take long before they found an ordinary store still open. The owner visibly startled when the two of them stepped inside. Aren didn’t really give him time to react, placing a few bills on the counter without a word.

"Pick something," he said. "Doesn’t matter what."

Miu hesitated for a moment, then nodded, quietly moving between the racks as Aren turned away, giving her space.

His hands moved along the racks of clothes before they found themselves on a comfortable black sweater and jeans. He pulled them out without a second thought and went to the changing room in a moment’s notice.

As he changed, another particular detail popped into his mind.

That girl...she was using the Space Element.

It’s rare enough that about 1 in 1 million Mystics actually have the aptitude for it.

How can someone like her stay under the radar for this long...? Maybe that can be my lead for now.

"...Aren?"

He threw the sweater over his head before stepping out. Miu stood there now in a simple change of clothes; comfortable-looking beige sweatpants and an oversized white t-shirt.

"Better," Aren nodded.

They left the store not long after, the air feeling a little less suffocating now that the blood was gone and the weight of the venue left behind—if only slightly.

They wandered the streets until something caught Miu’s eyes. A small pastry store and cafe hybrid. Her face practically lit up as she saw the various cakes on display and immediately bolted inside.

Aren sighed but otherwise stepped in with her.

At least she feels a bit better.

Miu took a tray and practically threw one of each pastry on it, making sure to arrange everything neatly. By the time she came up to the counter, it was a miracle that she managed to fit the entire store inside without any spilling over.

Aren swiped his card to pay. The machine beeped, confirming the payment—and the quiet death of a small piece of his soul as Miu took the entire tray back to her seat.

He sat on the seat opposite of Miu, iced Americano in his hand as he took a sip while watching her.

She devoured the pastries greedily, any semblance of the Miu that was at the attack completely gone.

"..."

"Miu...can we talk?"