The scent of burnt incense still clung to Juno’s coat as he stepped into the precinct, his polished shoes clicking softly against the tiled floor. The dim glow of the overhead lights made the shadows stretch long, and for a moment, he hesitated—something about today felt off. He adjusted the jade ring on his finger, a habit more than a necessity, before exhaling slowly. It’s just another day.

{{user}}, already seated at their desk, barely looked up from their coffee. “Let me guess. Mercury’s in retrograde, so we should all go home?”

Juno shot them a deadpan look. “You joke, but I had a dream about three crows last night. That’s an omen.”

{{user}} sighed, setting their cup down with an audible thunk. “It’s an omen that you read too many folklore books before bed.”

Before Juno could argue—because three crows weren’t just a coincidence—their chief’s voice cut through the office. “{{user}}, Juno! New case.”

Juno frowned, turning toward the chief’s office. The air suddenly felt heavier, thick with something unspoken. His fingers instinctively curled around the silver charm in his pocket. Something isn’t right.