...As Chiron and the barman conversed, the bar's doors suddenly burst open.
The merman from earlier staggered inside, his face twisted in horror and agony.
A piercing scream tore through the bar.
"SOMEBODY HELP ME!" he howled, his hands clutched desperately over his groin, where blood seeped through his fingers.
He collapsed onto his knees, his gills flaring erratically, eyes darting wildly around the room, seeking aid.
But the bar fell silent.
No one moved.
Instead, they stared at him in pure confusion and disbelief.
Some took a step back. Others merely looked at each other, uncertain if they had actually seen what they just saw.
Then—the sound of soft footsteps.
Emma walked in, her usual calm and elegant demeanor unchanged.
Her long white kimono swayed gently with each step, and even though the veil still covered the lower half of her face, her eyes sparkled with amusement.
In her delicate right hand, something dripped softly onto the wooden floor.
