The Undercity’s signature violet-blue flames flickered with a melancholic glow, mirroring my own restless, hazy mood...

I returned to my princess chambers, gazing out at the castle towering over the vast, shadowy expanse of the Undercity. Layers of mist veiled the sheer cliffs beneath its foundations. Sometimes I wondered: *Why does such a majestic, imposing fortress belong to a frail little princess like me?*

*Is it really okay for a boy to live as a princess?*

*Won’t it feel strange... after all this time?*

Yet these thoughts were beyond my control. What cursed fate had reshaped me like this? Had I angered some unfathomable power? Or was this not punishment—but a reward for my lonely, bitter life as a shut-in?

*Reward? Don’t be ridiculous!*

“What’s on your mind, little princess?”

That voice—sending shivers down my spine yet pulling me in—belonged to Senior Sister.

Yes. I’d woven a special magic circle between the corner of my bedroom and hers. It let her step directly into my room anytime she pleased. No matter what private moment I was lost in, she could enter at will. Even the bathroom door refused to lock for me.

These were the dungeon rules she’d set. I had no choice but to obey. I’d promised her... And though my soul was male, trapped in this girl’s body, a boy’s last shred of dignity was keeping his word—even when forced.

Feyn Senior’s unique fragrance enveloped me before she did.

Why did her body radiate such intoxicating warmth? Not perfume—just her skin, her hair, the sweet sweat after battle, an alluring blend of pheromones that clouded the mind.

My body was fully female now, but my consciousness remained male. How could I resist that scent? It wasn’t my fault.

Then—

Feyn Senior slid her arms around me from behind, her soft depths pressing firmly against my back. Her face hovered near my ear, every breath warm against my neck as she spoke.

“You did beautifully in the throne room today, little one,” she murmured, her breath tickling my ear. “You followed my lead so naturally. Such talent... A princess with potential in political strategy. Worth training.”

My cheeks flushed cherry-red. *Senior Sister, stop breathing like that—I can’t think!*

“P-please, Feyn Senior... stop for a second. It tickles! I can’t even speak. Just... listen to me first—”

“Hmm?” She paused only to tease my ear with a playful lick.

“Ah—! Okay, okay... just listen.” I forced my heartbeat to calm. Thankfully, she stopped tormenting me.

My gaze drifted to the endless depths of the Undercity beyond the window. “Truth is... you didn’t need to force me. I’d have done it anyway.”

A soft tremor ran through the warmth against my back. Even through layers of fabric, I felt her heartbeat deepen.

“Why?” Her voice turned low, guarded.

“Because... I don’t think you’re a bad person.”

“What?” Her grip tightened. “After everything? I let myself get captured just to take *you* hostage. Held a knife to your throat. Teased you. Humiliated you. And you still say I’m not evil?” Her words came sharp, rapid-fire.

“But you never truly hurt me! And your goal... it’s just to save the one you love, right? You wanted to rescue those girls because you understood their pain—because it was yours too!”

Feyn Senior shoved me hard against the glass window.

“Girl, you’ve forgotten your place!” Her hands pinned my shoulders, voice icy. “Sometimes I see you as a human little sister—you look, act, *are* one, inside and out. But never forget: you’re a demon. I’m human. To my people, I may not be evil—but to *your* kind? We’re mortal enemies. Yes, I’m no villain... but I’m the most dangerous thing in your world. If I must... I’ll kill you.”

I couldn’t tell her I’d known her before becoming the Dark Princess. My memories were foggy—except for hers.

I remembered her: long black hair swaying, the pale curve of her neck, the delicate shape of her earlobe as she walked beneath my classroom window.

*Why? Why can’t I recall my own name, yet her face is so clear? How could I ever see this Senior Sister as an enemy?*

“Senior Sister... I can’t explain why. Maybe I don’t even understand it myself. But even if you drove your blade through my heart—I couldn’t hate you. To you, we might be light and darkness. But to me... there’s only ‘older sister’ and ‘younger sister.’”

Her chest heaved violently against my back.

“Who—who ever said you were my sister?!”

Suddenly, she yanked my hair—not playfully, but with raw, unhinged fury. She spun me around and slammed me against the glass. “Don’t mistake my teasing for affection! I have a real sister—irreplaceable! Don’t think skin-to-skin contact makes us family!” Her eyes burned. “I’m *using* you. *Manipulating* you! That kiss? Just to humiliate you. To break you. Kuroti—you’re nothing but a weak-willed, sensitive little captive of my charms. Obey. Submit. *Feel*. Who gave you permission to *think*? And never—*never*—speak of real sisters to me! Isn’t it shameful? Being toyed with by your enemy? Do you actually have feelings for me?! No principles? No shame?! Filthy!!!”

Tears spilled from my eyes—not from the sting of my scalp, but from the scalding truth in her words. Why couldn’t I rage at her? Only sorrow pooled inside me... and a strange, dark happiness.

*At least... someone like you—a goddess—feels something for me. Even if it’s scorn.*

*Isn’t that better than just watching you walk gracefully under my window?*

*At least I see your true self—the side the boy I was could never have witnessed.*

Back then, I’d only ever watched you from afar. Too timid to speak, even with my heart pounding.

Now you’re here. Real. Furious. Flawed. And I still worship you—every laugh, every tear, every raw emotion. I stayed silent... but you forced my voice out.

“Damn it! So what if I *do* have feelings for you?! You’re stunning. Elegant. Radiating womanhood! You know exactly how to charm girls—and you’ve twisted me all up! What now? Toss me aside when you’re done? Or stab me after you’ve used me? I gave you my first kiss! How many girls have you played like this, Senior Sister? You *knew* this would make me fall for you! You ignited these feelings—then crushed them underfoot?! Use me. Abandon me to this cold, black Undercity when your ‘human duty’ is done. But don’t you *dare* call my feelings for you ‘filthy’! Is loving the one who kissed me really so shameful?!”