Elderly Sorcerer: [ancient, rasping, eyes milky white yet seeing too much] "It is not I who speaks. It is the sphere. But currently... you are two."

  Ashura: [breath catching, hope and horror warring in his chest] "Then... was everything real?"

  Suho grabbed Ashura's coat collar and began dragging him away.

  Ashura: [resisting, looking back desperately] "Suho! Why? We should have listened to what he was saying—"

  Suho: [dismissive, protective, voice low] "High probability it's just another talent. New sorcerers emerge every other day nowadays."

  Ashura: [persistent, doubt gnawing] "But what if he's telling the truth? He knew my name from the dream. Directly."

  Suho stopped. Turned to look at his brother, studying him with calculating eyes.

  Suho: [speculative, cautious] "Or he's reading your mind. Picking up your current thoughts. Such things are possible here. However wealthy our class may be, the common folk remain... dissatisfied. Desperate."

  Ashura: [resigned, trusting his brother's judgment] "Then we'll listen to you."

  Elderly Sorcerer: [voice suddenly everywhere and nowhere, prophetic, chilling] "Raiden... when you fully accept Ashura, you will drown in that darkness."

  Ashura spun around. The elderly sorcerer had vanished. Empty street. Echoing silence.

  Ashura: [urgent, grabbing Suho's arm] "Suho, look—he might know something. We can't just—"

  Suho: [firm, cutting off, priorities set] "Not our primary target right now. Shopping first. Then your grooming. That ball won't wait."

  Ashura: [still staring at the empty space where the sorcerer stood, finally conceding] "...You're right. Evening ball."

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  They visited the barber first, then the tailor. When Ashura emerged, the transformation was striking:

  He wore the ensemble with unconscious nobility—knee-high black boots embroidered with intricate gold threading, polished to a mirror sheen. Sleek black trousers tailored to his recovered physique. A crisp white shirt, unbuttoned at the collar in casual defiance, beneath a magnificent black coat that swept past his knees. The coat's edges and cuffs bore elaborate gold filigree patterns, catching light with every movement. Chains of dark metal and gold accents draped across his torso, connecting to the ornate buckles of his belt. His long white hair, once tangled from coma, now fell in deliberate disarray—wild yet regal, framing sharp features that seemed carved from marble and shadow.

  He looked every inch the Daemon heir. Dangerous. Beautiful. Wrong.

  Ashura: [uncertain, adjusting his cuff, unaccustomed to such finery] "How do I look?"

  Suho: [genuine surprise, then warm approval, a rare smile] "Better than expected. Let's return. Guests will be arriving—we'll keep none waiting."

  Ashura: [agreeing, but mind elsewhere] "Alright."

  They walked. The mansion loomed ahead, lights blazing.

  Ashura: [quiet, unable to let go] "Suho. What do you think? The probability that old sorcerer spoke truth?"

  Suho: [immediate, absolute, refusing to entertain doubt] "Zero. Don't fill your head with such useless things. Tonight is only for enjoyment. No worries. No forced smiles. Just... presence."

  Suho: [grinning, changing subject] "Besides—you turn eighteen today. I won't interfere with your drinking."

  Ashura: [slight grimace, honest] "No. I decline. Intoxication doesn't appeal."

  Ashura: [sighing, spotting the entrance] "Never mind. We're here."

  Stranger: [bowing low, obsequious, recognizing the white hair] "Young master. It must be you. Allow me to offer my respects—"

  Ashura: [cold, abrupt, no patience for ceremony] "Unnecessary."

  Edwards: [smooth, recovering, extending hand] "I haven't introduced myself. Edwards Celestine. And this is my daughter, Lilith Celestine."

  A young woman stood beside him. Silver hair like moonlight. Eyes like amethysts. She met Ashura's gaze and something flickered—recognition, curiosity, danger.

  Suho: [polite but dismissive, already steering away] "Pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord Celestine. We have some matters to attend to, but perhaps a toast this evening?"

  Suho: [to Ashura, noticing his brother had gone still] "Come, Ashura. We're leaving."

  Suho looked at Ashura. Ashura was looking at Lilith. Lost in violet eyes that seemed to see too much.

  Suho flicked his brother's forehead. Sharp. Startling.

  Suho: [hissed, amused and warning] "End your daydreaming. We're going