good stationery , that's what this is . the letter is heavier in her hands than expected , crisp edges and gilded black paper practically radiating importance . the magistrate's emblem glints even under the shroud of mist covering the pier . it's proof that she's one of many cogs in their massive afterlife machine , yes , but she doesn't so much as tremble as she rereads the words penned in that iridescent ink , eyes tracing over the glowing strokes as if committing them to memory . a reward of unsurpassable value , the rare chance to slip into the living world with sanctioned impunity β there's more to gain here than is spelled out in words , and sunisa is not the kind of woman to let such an opportunity pass on by .
short , dark hair whips around her face as she leans against the pier railing , devoting a moment to thought . the rhythmic lapping of water against wood should be soothing as she stands there , a woman at the edge of the world , but she swears she can hear a heartbeat somewhere in her chest , bounding and wild , but she knows better . the promise of something beyond β that's what they must be promising to the victor of this nasty game β is already creating that phantom burn , making her yearn for life again . the magistrate knows how to bait their hooks . suni , despite all her pride , isn't foolish enough to pretend she's above the temptation .
a flicker of movement catches her attention , and dark eyes snap toward the shadow barely visible through the fog . someone else is here . of course . it'd be naive to think she could savor this moment alone . she doesn't turn immediately , letting them approach , but when the footsteps get closer , she lets herself spin delicately , back falling against the railing again , wings fluttering ever so slightly .
crimson red lips press into a thin line for a moment before curling into a smile , the kind that's all teeth and no kindness . ah , you . that smirk deepens as she takes him in , head tilted just so , as if she's appraising a particularly mediocre piece of art . " oh hello , pretty boy , " suni purrs , even though there's no warmth in the words , " i suppose you've already gotten your letter ? or are you so indolent that they didnβt bother ? "