Avara POV
"After dinner," he says firmly, "I'm telling Haru I'm stepping back. I'll still be there for him, but in legal ventures—things I can oversee without…" He gestures vaguely, his meaning clear. "Akio can handle the other side. Not me. Not anymore."
"What if Haru doesn't accept that? He seems like the all or nothing type."
"He doesn't have a choice. I've always followed my path. It led me to him but it will end with you."
He leaves his words to sparkle the air around me as he moves away to get ready. I leave to change into a white summer dress with a tie back. When I return back into the main bedroom, I perch on the vanity stool, and I put on my makeup, the whole process before carefully brushing the highlighter onto my cheeks, watching the golden sheen catch the light. My eyes snap to the mirror, catching a shift in the room—Botan.