S-2878 • L3 Sintoluna • D00 Silensi
"Sintoluna ignites resonance above. Silensi grounds the beginning in living stillness. The tide becomes a newborn map of light. The story enters a crystalline tone."
Nearly an entire lunation of meetings.
Maia filled my thoughts.
I smiled like a foolish Sorceress.
Covered my face with both hands — too embarrassed to meet my own reflection.
KNOCK KNOCK
The sound pulled me back.
Quickly.
I checked the mirror.
Composure had to remain on the surface of my skin.
"Come in."
He entered.
Firm steps.
Exuding authority.
Black hair combed sharply back.
Beard meticulously trimmed.
Gray strands sharpened his commanding presence.
A perfectly aligned black suit.
A ring on his little finger.
A symbol painfully familiar.
His severe, bitter gaze settled on me.
A wave of tension crossed my body.
"Doctor—"
"Enough with formalities."
He waved dismissively.
"Just call me Mr. Akiyama."
"Mr. Akiyama."
"Good."
"I won't take much of your time.
That woman…"
My father cleared his throat theatrically.
"…interfered with my research.
I need you to file a petition on my behalf."
"What research?"
He rolled his eyes and sent the file.
I opened it.
Forced application.
Neural collapse risk.
Each line tightened my stomach.
"I refuse."
My voice steady.
Jaw locked.
His eyes flashed — feral.
"I am ordering you."
"I refuse. I—"
Heat exploded across my cheek.
Fast. Cruel.
His palm.
My fists clenched.
Blood roared in my ears.
I inhaled deeply.
Held the tears burning behind my eyes.
"L-leave.
Leave immediately.
Or I will call security."
Riki rose slowly.
Arrogant.
A final sinister glance.
"You and your mother are both useless."
He spat on the floor before leaving.
Leaving behind contempt.
My hands shook.
My heart pounded irregularly.
I touched my cheek.
Warm.
Blood.
A thin line at my fingertips.
In the mirror — a red imprint.
The outline of his hand.
A small cut.
Likely from the ring.
Yet none of it compared to what I had read.
With trembling fingers, I called Hideaki.
"What is it?"
His voice — cold. Alert.
"Riki was here.
He wants me to petition approval for the research denied by the CMG."
Silence.
Heavy breathing.
Processing.
"T-that…
That man is a danger to the medical community.
I need to act."
Hideaki hung up abruptly.
I exhaled.
Rubbed my forehead.
Pressure built in my skull.
I pushed thoughts of Riki away.
Of his research.
Focused instead—
On seeing Maia the next day.