From the second I saw her, I knew.
Those deep violet eyes, that signature flick of blonde hair, the confident stance, the dangerously sharp outfit—short, pleated velvet skirt just above the knees, black silk-patterned leggings with button accents, high-collared lace shirt under a corset-style vest, boots clicking with authority, and of course, that platinum pocket watch and noble brooch.
No mistake.
It was her.
Ryenne Sherrington.
What the hell is she doing here?
———
Ashenreach District, STF Facility
Old Harry was standing beside the familiar blonde girl who looked just as infuriating as the last time Kite saw her. She had just finished her introduction to the group and turned slowly—dramatically—locking eyes with Kite. Her brows furrowed instantly.
"Ah, young Kite—" Harry began.
"Hmph. I was wondering how long you'd take to show up," Ryenne cut him off, arms crossed.
Kite narrowed his eyes. "Can't say I was wondering the same."
"What else would I expect from you," she smirked, flicking her hair back. "Still the same useless blockhead."
"Do you… know her?" Ethan whispered, bewildered.
"Unfortunately, yes," Kite grumbled.
"What's her name?"
"Oui!"
Ethan jumped to attention at the sudden command. Her voice hit like a whip.
"Y-Yes, ma'am!"
"What exactly were you two whispering about?" she asked sweetly—with venom underneath.
"N-nothing! Just… your name…"
She placed a hand on her hip, grinning. "Well, since you asked so politely—I'm Ryenne Sherrington. Try not to fall too hard."
"I won't," Ethan mumbled, stunned.
Kite was still watching her with a disbelieving stare.
"Oh my, Kite," Ryenne said, fluttering her lashes. "If you stare at me like that, I might start thinking you missed me."
"Just shut up, you pain."
"Take that back," she snapped, eyes flashing, "or I'll fill you with so many holes you'll rattle like a flute."
Kite blanched. "S-sorry. I take it back."
"Hmph. Good boy."
Harry, clearly out of his depth, cleared his throat.
"Ahem! If the dramatics are finished, I must show this young lady to her quarters."
Kite and Ryenne stopped glaring long enough for her to spin on her heel and strut after Harry with smug grace.
———
After she left, the rest of the group surrounded Kite like hungry vultures.
"Who is that?!" Kora whispered.
"She looks like a demon queen," Lora added.
"She is, basically," Kite muttered.
"That's Ryenne Sherrington," Ralf explained. "Even the senior years at the academy used to talk about her. She's... famous."
Yeah. Famous for turning boys into punching bags, Kite thought.
Lauren raised an eyebrow. "Context. Now."
Kite sighed. "She's the last heir of the Sherrington family. They're fading fast, so she's under pressure to find a suitor. Naturally, she told her family to shove it and joined the STF instead."
Everyone stared at him.
"I said a little context," Lauren muttered.
———
Evening — Noble height
Kite opened the door with a long sigh.
"I'm home…"
"You're late, stupid."
His blood ran cold. That voice. That mocking, too-familiar voice.
Ryenne stood in the middle of the living room with her arms folded and a smirk painted across her face.
"What's wrong? You look like you saw a ghost. Or me. Same thing, really."
"You…"
Audrey popped her head out from the kitchen.
"Oh, Kite! You're back. Isn't it wonderful? She's the new specialist—just like you! I thought I'd let her stay here for now. Look how responsible I am!"
Kite froze, his soul trying to escape his body. Ryenne gave a tiny wave, smug as ever.
"Go freshen up, dear," Audrey added. "We'll talk later."
Kite ran past her, nearly tripping over Chu-Chu asleep in the fruit basket, and bolted into his room.
He flipped the light switch—and froze.
Boxes. Everywhere. Like his room had been hijacked by a moving company.
"Sorry," Ryenne's voice came from behind him, sickeningly casual. "There wasn't space for all my stuff in the guest room. And my dresses need air circulation. You understand."
Kite turned slowly. "I… have so many questions."
"Keep them to yourself. I'm too tired to pretend I care."
With a hair toss and a soft laugh, she vanished down the hall.
Kite stood in the chaos of his room, completely defeated.
Fate is cruel. So, so cruel.