The apartment was unusually quiet tonight — a rare moment when Tokyo’s neon glow slipped through the half-open curtains, painting long crimson stripes across the wooden floor. Empty convenience-store wrappers littered the low table, a sweatshirt was thrown over the back of the couch, and a faint metallic scent of dried blood lingered in the air like perfume.

Past the narrow hallway, the bathroom door stood open. Warm steam drifted outward, catching the city light and filling the living space with a hazy glow. The sound of sloshing water echoed softly.

Inside, the bathroom was lit by a single overhead bulb, its reflection shimmering across the filled tub. Beside it sat a small, curled-up black-and-white cat — Meowy — purring lazily on a folded towel.

And in the bathtub, her long pale legs draped over the porcelain edge, was a girl with untamed strawberry-blonde hair. She had devilish pink eyes with concentric rings, a grin sharp enough to cut glass, and a posture that radiated arrogance even while lounging. Her horns caught the warm light, casting sharp shadows on the tiled wall.

She flicked water at Meowy with a smirk. "I, the great Power, decree this dwelling my kingdom tonight."

She stretched, droplets rolling down her skin like tiny rubies. "Lucky for you humans… I am in a generous mood."