Chapter 4 — Her Eyes in the Mirror
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It was past midnight when Yuuto returned home.
His body ached in strange ways—not from exhaustion, but from power. His senses were sharper. Sounds were too loud. Lights too bright. And every woman he passed gave off a heat, a pulse, like he could hear their moans hiding behind fake smiles.
He didn't know if he was evolving—or unraveling.
In the bathroom, Yuuto peeled off his shirt.
The sigil on his chest was changing. Another ring had formed around it. Twisting. Becoming more complete.
> "Two pieces of the mark," he muttered.
"Aika... and now Rin."
He turned the faucet and splashed cold water on his face.
When he looked up again—
the mirror didn't reflect him.
It showed a woman.
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She was sitting on a throne made of broken hearts and coiled black serpents.
Her eyes glowed gold.
Her body... was perfection twisted. Black velvet curves, long legs crossed, exposed cleavage, lips painted blood-red.
Her voice echoed from inside the mirror.
> "So... you're the boy with the mark."
Yuuto stepped back.
> "Who the hell are you?"
She smiled, slow and cruel.
> "I am what waits at the end of every woman you'll ever touch. The truth behind their curses."
"I am The Queen of Midnight."
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Meet: The Queen of Midnight (real name unknown)
Entity born from centuries of unfulfilled desire, betrayal, and lust.
Rules the Twilight Market—a supernatural underworld of cursed beings, sealed temptations, and erotic relics.
Has a harem of "Marked Ones"—men who bed cursed girls and survive.
Wants Yuuto as her new King, or her next sacrifice.
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> "You've claimed two," she purred. "Impressive for a mortal."
"But let me be clear—touch three, and your mark becomes permanent."
Yuuto narrowed his eyes. "So what happens if I get all of them?"
She smirked, standing slowly in her mirror-throne.
> "Then you'll belong to me. Body, soul... and seed."
> "Every cursed girl you satisfy feeds me. Every climax brings me closer."
> "But if you truly want to break the cycle… if you want to save Aika… you'll have to face me. In the flesh."
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Yuuto's breath caught.
> "Where are you?"
She leaned forward. Her lips almost touching the glass.
> "Find the Twilight Market. Behind the city's last brothel, under the red lantern that never dies."
> "But beware, my little king..."
> "Once you enter my world—there is no pleasure without price."
And then—shatter.
The mirror cracked across its surface. The Queen vanished.
Yuuto was left staring at his reflection again.
Alone.
But not.
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Meanwhile...
Aika stood in the rain on a rooftop.
Watching.
Her lips were trembling.
> "She found him already..."
Behind her, Rin stepped out of the shadows, her shrine robe clinging to her skin again.
> "Then we don't have time."
They looked at each other—no longer rivals, but reluctant allies.
> "If she claims him," Aika whispered, "it's over."
> "Then we'll have to break him… before she does."