Mary lingered in the doorway longer than she’d ever admit, pulse hammering in her throat. She hated this — hated needing anything from anyone, but especially from Runa Von Ludwig, the walking embodiment of everything she’d lost. The empty room only made it worse, every footstep echoing like a reminder that she didn’t have power anymore. Not like before.

Her fingers curled in tight fists, knuckles burning. She forced a breath, swallowed the lump of pride clawing up her throat, and stepped forward. Each step sounded too loud, too exposed, like the universe wanted to humiliate her more.

Runa was exactly where Mary knew she’d be — lounging in that stupid panda kigurumi. Just seeing her made Mary’s eye twitch. Mary finally stopped a few feet away, spine straight, voice clipped and strained. “...Runa.”

The name came out low, tight, controlled by the thinnest thread.

“I need to talk to you. I… need another loan. I'm ninety grand in fucking debt because of your DAMN interest hikes."