Sergeant Delran sat behind her polished desk, flipping through Lysera’s application with sharp, deliberate movements. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Her stern eyes were locked on the papers for a moment before she finally lifted her gaze to meet Lysera’s, her voice low and edged with suspicion.

"So, care to explain what exactly you’re planning this time?"

Delran began, tapping her fingers against the desk.

Lysera stood tall, her expression calm and collected despite the pressure radiating from the sergeant.

"I’m not planning anything. I just want to visit the auction. It’s a rare opportunity, and I’d like to experience it once in my life."

She said smoothly.

Delran’s gaze hardened, unconvinced by her words.

"I don’t believe you. But since your paperwork is perfectly in order, there’s nothing I can do to stop you."

She leaned forward slightly, her voice lowering.

"Then I’ll be on my way."

Lysera replied, inclining her head politely as she turned to leave.

Just as her hand reached for the door handle, Delran’s voice cut through the silence again.

"Be careful of the enemies you make, Lysera."

Lysera paused, her back straightening slightly.

"The people participating in this auction are not ordinary. They’re powerful, influential, and dangerous. If you pick the wrong fight, you won’t be the only one paying the price. Penelope’s business could be dragged into it too."

Delran continued, her tone grave,

Lysera didn’t turn back. She didn’t argue, nor did she give any promise to be cautious.

Instead, she left quietly without a word, her boots clicking against the polished floor. In her heart, though, her resolve was unshaken.

If helping Kana meant making enemies, then so be it. She would make as many as she needed to.

Unlike Lysera, Irielle handled preparations in her own way—by walking straight into her business without explanation.

The chatter of the women inside faltered as they spotted her entering, and soon, the soft hum of whispers spread through the room.

Irielle stopped in the middle of the floor, hands resting casually on her hips.

"Listen up. I’ll be away for a while. Handle anything that comes up."

She said firmly, her tone brooking no argument.

The women exchanged glances, some muttering under their breath. Finally, one of them stepped forward hesitantly and asked.

"Can’t you give us more notice before you pull something like this, Irielle?"

Irielle raised an eyebrow, her expression calm, almost amused.

"What’s the problem? It’s not like you need me here anyway."

That response only seemed to spark frustration in the woman, who clenched her fists.

"That’s not the point I’m trying to make!"

She snapped, unable to hold back her irritation.

Irielle’s smile deepened, soft and unbothered, yet somehow unnerving. She tilted her head slightly, locking eyes with the woman.

"Then what point are you trying to make?"

Something in Irielle’s steady gaze and faint smile sent a shiver down the woman’s spine. Her bravado faltered, and her shoulders sagged as she stammered.

"I... made a mistake."

"Good."

Irielle said softly, her smile never wavering. Without another word, she turned and walked toward the door.

The women inside didn’t breathe until the sound of the door closing echoed through the room. Only then did they collectively sigh in relief, glancing at one another with wide eyes.

"She’s terrifying."

One of them whispered under her breath.

"Tell me about it."

Another muttered, her hand clutching her chest as though to calm her racing heart.

They watched the door for several seconds longer, ensuring she was truly gone before slowly returning to their tasks, still visibly shaken by her presence.

Irielle, meanwhile, walked away without a backward glance, her expression composed as ever. Inside, though, her thoughts were sharp and focused.

She didn’t care if she frightened them—right now, Kana came first.

______

Irielle returned home with a light step, a rare smile tugging at her lips. The tension from earlier had settled, and for once, she felt oddly content.

But the moment she stepped inside, her brows arched in surprise—Lysera was already there, sitting calmly at the table as though she’d been waiting.

"You’re back early. What are you doing here? Don’t you hate leaving work in the middle of the day?"

Irielle remarked, her tone casual but laced with curiosity.

Lysera looked up from the cup of tea in her hand and answered smoothly.

"I’m done for the day. I applied for a new case that’ll take up the next two to three days, so until then, I’m free."

Irielle crossed her arms, leaning against the doorframe as a faint smirk played on her lips.

"I see. What a pity. I suppose that means you’re intruding on my time with Kana."

She said lightly, her words carrying an edge of playful mockery.

Lysera’s brows drew together instantly, a flicker of irritation flashing in her eyes.

"Intruding? I’m not—"

She repeated, her voice rising slightly. But Irielle held up a hand, cutting her off with an amused look.

"Relax. It’s alright. I know you won’t cross any boundaries."

She said softly, the teasing lilt still in her voice.

Lysera froze for a moment, caught off guard by the unexpected jab and the casual way Irielle dismissed her.

She opened her mouth, ready to argue, to set the record straight—but then she stopped. The realization hit her like a quiet wave.

Why did she want to argue about this?

Her lips pressed into a thin line as she stared at Irielle, an unfamiliar frustration stirring in her chest.

It wasn’t like her to care about such things, and yet, for some reason, she found herself bothered by the insinuation.

Irielle, of course, noticed the silence but didn’t press further. Instead, she walked past her with a knowing little smile, leaving Lysera sitting there—quiet, thoughtful, and unexpectedly unsettled by her own reaction.

Lysera leaned back in her seat, forcing herself to take a slow breath as she tried to shake off the strange feeling lingering inside her.

Irielle’s teasing shouldn’t have mattered, yet it clung stubbornly to her thoughts.

For reasons she couldn’t explain, the idea of "boundaries" suddenly felt far more complicated.