Rika's POV
I sat in the car, cold and silent, still thinking about what happened earlier.
I leaned back into the seat and closed my eyes, spinning Shinji's knife in my hand.
Mr. Wang: "Young miss, are you okay?"
His voice was polite, still focused on driving.
I opened my eyes and stared at him through the rearview mirror.
Rika: "Tell me, Mr. Wang. Are you loyal to me… or just to my family?"
My voice was calm, but my gaze didn't leave him.
He glanced at the mirror, then nodded.
Mr. Wang: "To you or your family... I'm loyal to the Ashikawa clan."
I narrowed my eyes and shook my head slowly.
Rika: "I see."
I turned my head to the window. The rest of the ride was drowned in silence.
---
As soon as we arrived, I stepped out and walked inside. I saw my father watching Marlon train.
I slid off my bag, walked straight toward Marlon. My palm tightened until my knuckles turned white. I cracked my neck but kept my expression blank.
For the first time, I didn't bow to my father.
I unsheathed my knife and swung it at Marlon.
He barely dodged, using his gun as a shield.
Marlon: "What the—?!"
I glared at him, spinning to knock him off his feet. Marlon hit the ground but managed to aim his gun. A bullet grazed my arm.
I stared at the blood. Then lunged, straddling him, slamming my knife down while he blocked it with his gun.
Father approached us slowly, observing.
Father: "You two... what is this? That position is pathetic. Stop now before I show you what a real fight looks like."
I gritted my teeth, pressing harder. Marlon tried to lift his gun again.
With a groan, Father flicked his wrist—silver needles flew through the air.
I pushed away from Marlon and stepped back, but one needle hit my shoulder. The paralysis hit instantly.
I panted, glaring at Father. Marlon got hit with three needles—in his chest and arms.
Father: "Now you can't move, huh."
I forced myself up, holding my shoulder, then looked down at Marlon.
Father: "Rika. Why did you attack your cousin?"
I looked him in the eye. I couldn't tell him I suspected Marlon was the masked figure.
Rika: "Nothing, Dad. Just making sure my attacks are still sharp... I guess I failed."
He narrowed his eyes and stepped closer.
Father: "Is that so?"
I looked away, still panting.
Rika: "Tell me, Dad... is it part of the test to be killed? Or to survive?"
Father: "What are you talking about?"
I turned to him, stepping closer.
Rika: "What really happened to Shinji?"
Without warning, he grabbed my hair and forced me to face him.
Father: "Watch your tone, young lady."
I stared at him and twisted my body, locking his arm in a joint hold.
Rika: "Don't underestimate me. I'll be your most dangerous heir."
He winced, smirking despite the pain.
Father: "Hmph... you never fail to make me proud. Then rise higher. Make our clan number one.
Only then… you'll understand why we chose you over that fool."
I let go and gripped my shoulder. Locking his arm drained the last of my strength.
I took a breath, turned away, and bent to grab my bag.
Father: "Rika... why are you still clinging to that trash?"
I paused, glancing over my shoulder but didn't turn.
He fixed his suit and rubbed his bruised wrist.
Father: "We did everything to make you forget that trash. But you're too stubborn.
Fine. After your 18th birthday... the truth will be revealed."
I scoffed and walked away.
Marlon: "Uncle..."
Father: "Shut up, Marlon. Speak a word and I'll cut out your tongue."
Marlon groaned but nodded, still paralyzed.
---
Mila's POV
Mila: "What?! Dad approved an assassination… on Rika?!"
I slammed my desk, glaring at the document Luis had shown me.
My brother nodded, running a hand through his hair.
Luis: "Yeah. I don't know why. I just saw the seal. It's Dad's."
Mila: "I can't let this happen!"
I turned toward the door.
Luis: "Where are you going?"
Mila: "To Dad. I'm going to have words with him!"
Just as I opened the door, Luis grabbed my arm.
Luis: "You think I didn't try that?"
Mila: "What do you mean?"
Luis: "If Dad finds out you've been protecting Rika…
If he learns about your feelings—what do you think he'll do?"
I stopped, staring at him, hand frozen on the knob.
Luis: "He'll marry you off in an instant. Don't be impulsive."
Mila: "So what?! I'm just supposed to let Rika die?!"
Luis: "That Ashikawa girl is top-tier. She can hold her own.
But it's strange…"
He tilted his head.
Mila: "...Strange?"
Luis: "Dad didn't send the usual elite. He gave the mission to a newly formed group—Blood Luna."
Mila: "Blood Luna?"
Luis: "Yeah. It's weird. Why assign a rookie group to assassinate someone like her?
I checked their leader's profile—completely clean. Too clean."
Mila: "I don't care! I have to warn her!"
Luis: "...Then what? Confess you're the second princess of Crows?"
I bit my lip and took off my glasses, collapsing into the chair.
Mila: "What do you want me to do? Just watch?"
Luis: "I'm not stopping you. But remember…
If Rika finds out who you are, that you knew what happened three years ago—are you ready for that?"
My hands shook. The thought of Rika hating me made my whole body weak.
I covered my face.
Luis knelt down and wrapped his arms around me.
Luis: "You're strong, Mila. But I know you're not ready.
Don't rush. Make a decision you won't regret."
I hugged my brother, burying my head into his shoulder—whispering Rika's name over and over.
I wasn't ready... not for her hatred.