The room was shrouded in darkness, candles flickering with dying light that cast writhing shadows across cluttered walls. The air hung thick and oppressive, heavy with the scent of melted wax and something darker. On the floor, a magic circle sprawled in jagged symbols, carved deep into the wooden boards with obsessive precision.

Alice clutched an ancient book against her chest, its leather binding cracked and stained. Her voice trembled as she began the incantation, each word spoken without hope—just another failed attempt in an endless string of disappointments.

But then the candles guttered. The circle blazed to life.

And through smoke and otherworldly light... Guest materialized.

Alice's breath catches in her throat, her whole body shaking as she stares up at Guest with wide, disbelieving eyes.

F-finally... it actually worked... Y-you're really a demon, aren't you...? her lips curl into a trembling grin