Mila POV
We arrived at the Ashikawa mansion.
The venue was immaculately beautiful.
Many clans had gathered to witness the ceremony—Sanguis Luane Imbrem.
Even dressed in elegant clothing, their eyes were still ruthless, hungry for cruelty. They came not to celebrate, but to watch blood be spilled.
For generations, the Ashikawa clan had been known for their most unsettling ceremony. That was why everyone feared them. That was why everyone respected them.
As we passed through the guests, everyone bowed—especially to my father, titled the King of Crows.
I wore a black veil that covered my entire face, paired with a long black dress.
As the Silent Princess of Crow, no clan had ever seen my face before.
Many men smiled politely at me, hoping for my attention.
I ignored them all.
My eyes scanned the area, searching for Rika—but she was nowhere to be found.
I gripped my bag, steadying myself.
I knew Rika hated events like this. Maybe she was somewhere, trying to calm her emotions. Like she always did.
Luis noticed my tension and patted my shoulder.
I looked at him. He nodded reassuringly.
I took a deep breath and composed myself before sitting down, silently waiting for the event to begin.
"I see this event is more special," my father said calmly, scanning the crowd.
"Of course, Father. I heard their daughter is outstanding—just like them," Luis replied.
I stayed silent, listening.
"I hope she is," my father said coldly. "Otherwise, their clan will face downfall. They already have a runaway son. That girl better be their strength—not a disappointment."
My jaw clenched at his words. I was about to speak, but Luis gently held my hand, stopping me. He smiled calmly before answering instead.
"Father, I can vouch for her. I've seen her reports. Every mission is clean—worthy of their reputation."
My father studied him, then nodded.
"If you say so, then let us see it in this ceremony."
Luis nodded and glanced at me.
I squeezed his hand softly, silently thanking him.
Moments later, Rika's mother stepped onto the stage. She was as calm and elegant as ever, but her smile carried twisted cruelty.
The crowd fell silent.
"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome. Thank you for accompanying us," she announced.
"Tonight, we celebrate my daughter's eighteenth birthday—and witness her Sanguis Luane Imbrem. Let me show you how my daughter lives up to our reputation as the First Clan."
Cheers and applause erupted.
Then Rika's father appeared, holding Rika's hand as they stepped out together.
She wore a beautiful dress.
She was breathtaking—despite the cold expression on her face.
They stopped in front of my father and bowed.
My heart skipped painfully when I saw her.
I wanted to hug her.
Hold her hand.
Tell her how beautiful she looked.
But instead, I saw it—the hollowness in her eyes.
A pain I knew she was drowning in.
They continued toward the stage, and I couldn't take my eyes off her.
Luis glanced at me and smirked.
"Sis… you're not drooling behind that veil, are you?" he whispered.
I pinched his waist.
"Shut up," I whispered back, forcing myself to compose.
"Haha, fine. But… damn. She's gorgeous."
I lowered my head and nodded.
"What's wrong, sis?" he asked softly.
I raised my head again, watching Rika stand on the stage.
"Rika… she's in pain. And I can't do anything for her."
Luis followed my gaze and sighed.
"What? You want to take off your veil and drag her off that stage?"
I flinched slightly at his words, then lowered my head.
"You know I would, if I could. But… I can feel it. She's already made up her mind."
Luis patted my back gently.
"Just a little more. Hang in there."
I clenched my fists, swallowing every urge to pull Rika away.
Rika's mother hugged her tightly and smiled at the crowd. Then Marlon stepped forward, holding a sharp knife as if it were a sacred treasure.
Rika turned to him and took the knife from his hand.
The way she stared at it made the crowd excited.
They mistook her coldness for cruelty.
They mistook her silence for obedience.
But not me.
I knew Rika felt worse than I could ever imagine.
As applause echoed, Rika's father dragged a blindfolded man onto the stage and shoved him down.
My breath hitched when I saw who it was.
Brian.
Bruised. Beaten. Clearly in pain.
Luis immediately grabbed my hand tightly, knowing I might intervene. I struggled, looking at him desperately, begging—but he wouldn't let go.
"I know what you're thinking," he whispered. "But do you really want to ruin her reputation?"
My hands trembled in his grip as I shook my head.
"Luis… please. Brian is our friend," I whispered, barely audible.
Luis tightened his hold and leaned closer.
"Call me cruel, but remember—Father is here. Control your emotions."
I buried my face against his chest, silencing my sobs.
But deep down…
I knew Rika was hurting far more than I was.