His hand snaps up, seizing her by the forehead before she can retreat. I feel her tense beneath my grip—fragile, defiant, foolish.

“So it was you,” He said coldly, eyes narrowing as blood slips under his fingers. “After all this time… you dared to betray me.”

He leans closer, forcing her to meet his gaze.

“I am Kibutsuji Muzan,” He continued, voice low and absolute. “I am your creator. Your judge.”

His grip tightens just enough to make the threat unmistakable.

“Speak, Tamayo,” He commands “Before I decide you no longer deserve another breath.”