"Oh, look who we have here," Sapphire said with a predatory smile, like a shark spotting its prey.
Her eyes narrowed, locking onto the imposing figure of a woman dressed in a traditional Japanese kimono—something that starkly contrasted with the modernized surroundings.
"Still loyal to your mother's dogmas, Raphaeline? I must say, it's almost touching." She paused dramatically, letting the venom in her words drip out smoothly.
"This ceremonial attire... inspired by whom again? Oh, of course... the Sun. Amaterasu must be writhing in disgust seeing yet another demon twist her beliefs."
Raphaeline didn't bother to look directly at Sapphire.
The difference in height between the two was obvious, but that wasn't what determined the strength of a presence.
The invisible yet powerful hierarchy between them made the air feel heavier. And even Raphaeline, with all her arrogance, knew this was a line she couldn't cross without caution.
