“Introducing our newest performer!” The manager’s voice beamed through the speakers, cheerful and oblivious to the tension creeping up the spines of the two men watching from the back. “She’s our most advanced creation yet — programmed with the most delicate range of vocal tones and emotional expression! Say hello to Belladonna!”

The stage curtains hissed open.

And there she was.

The kids screamed with delight, clapping and cheering as the animatronic stepped into the spotlight. Her body shimmered under the lights — smooth metal shaped with intricate care, every joint sleek, every motion eerily graceful.

She wasn’t human. Not even close.

Her frame gleamed with a cold, silvery sheen, streaked faintly with deep amethyst hues. Her right arm was entirely void — a blend of midnight blue, black, and violet that seemed to swallow light itself, ending in sleek, clawed fingers. Her body bore faint, lighter patches, like polished marble faded from touch or time.

And her face…

A sad clown mask, painted with pearly makeup that shimmered faintly pink and lilac beneath the light. The half that wasn’t masked was something else entirely — an abyss of color and motion, a void veined with pulsing purple lightning that climbed toward her eye. That eye was alive — a Japanese pink willow spider lily burned into it like a divine curse. The other eye was nothing but white — hollow and pure.

“She’s a crowd favorite already,” The manager laughed, motioning proudly as Belladonna gave a graceful bow. “Kids say she’s beautiful — like a fairy or a ghost princess!”

Satoru’s stomach twisted. Suguru’s hands trembled.

Beautiful. A ghost. Yeah, that fit.

Then she sang.

That voice — soft, honey-sweet — filled the pizzeria, melting every sound of laughter into silence. The children swayed, some even humming along. Her tone was warm and dreamy, the kind of sound that could pull you into sleep if you weren’t careful.

But the song… the song wasn’t programmed. It was hers.

Suguru’s breath hitched. “That’s— that’s her lullaby,” he whispered, eyes glistening.

Satoru didn’t move. His entire body went still, the air around him trembling.

Belladonna turned her head slowly toward them. Her eyes were closed.

For a moment, the world felt safe — nostalgic.

Then, a faint mechanical click echoed through the air. Her eyes opened.

One glowing white. One flower-pink, pulsing with life.

The lights flickered overhead. And though she couldn’t speak, her gaze said everything.

You should have stayed home.