The commotion of guards outside the villa lasted only moments. Scattered footsteps echoed from beyond the walls before fading into silence.

Alquett, having just shaken off her pursuers, crashed through the bathroom window and tumbled into the steam-filled shower room.

Rolling across the wet tiles to absorb the impact, she sprang up and scanned her surroundings. Beneath a nearby showerhead stood a naked girl, her dull eyes fixed on Alquett with a trace of confusion.

"You—"

Alquett’s brow furrowed slightly as she studied the oddly familiar face. Before she could speak, a sharp voice cut through from the living room:

"What’s going on out there?"

*Bishop Johanna!*

Relief flooded her chest. *She’s home!* All that running from street patrols, all that desperation to reach this villa—it hadn’t been for nothing.

Ignoring the bathing girl, Alquett shoved the bathroom door open and strode out.

"Bishop! It’s me—"

Dressed in a torn silver gown, pale-faced with disheveled hair streaming down her back, she rushed forward and dropped to her knees.

Her gaze landed on Johanna lounging casually on the sofa in plain clothes.

As Johanna’s surprised eyes met hers, the dull crimson of Alquett’s irises flickered back to life with hope.

"Please, Your Grace… help me…"

"Weren’t you told to wash up and change? What’s this—" Johanna’s words froze mid-sentence. Her tone turned glacial. "Ah. I see. Alquett. You should still be confined to your cell."

A chill shot down Alquett’s spine at the icy words. She bowed her head lower, maintaining her kneeling posture.

"Your Grace… I never betrayed the Holy Light. I’d never sell out the Church to Demonkind… and I’m still pure! Those guards, priests—they refused to believe me. They slandered me, twisted the truth… But you’ve always seen through lies. You know my heart! You raised me. You *know* I’m the Church’s chosen Champion. I despise Demonkind. I don’t lie. I could never—"

Her words tumbled out in a frantic rush, spilling half a day’s worth of humiliation. But Johanna’s face remained locked in cold disdain.

Those familiar gray eyes held no warmth—only a thick layer of ice Alquett couldn’t penetrate.

When Alquett finally finished pleading, she lifted her head, eyes brimming with desperate hope.

Johanna merely shifted on the sofa, settling into a more comfortable pose. "…Done?"

"Y-yes…"

"If you’re truly innocent, you’d wait calmly in the confessional for us to clear your name."

"But—"

"Or perhaps you’re guilty. Running here to beg for mercy before your crimes surface." Johanna rose, a sneer playing on her lips. "If you didn’t collude with Demonkind, explain this: How did you walk out of their dungeon spotless? Unharmed?"

Silence.

"So many captured by the Demonlord never returned. Why were *you* spared?" Johanna loomed over the kneeling girl, gaze sharp as blades. "I was a fool. A blind fool for rescuing a filthy Bloodline creature like you. You should’ve starved to death in that crumbling orphanage—"

Her words froze Alquett solid. The last spark in her eyes shattered. Her shoulders trembled. Her mouth hung slightly open, gaze hollow and downcast.

"Had you crawled back broken and scarred, I might’ve pitied you. Now? One less nuisance." Johanna glanced around coolly. "Will you return to your cell willingly? Or must I drag you?"

"P-punishment…" Alquett whispered, voice barely audible. "What… what punishment?"

"The purification pyre. At midnight." Johanna leaned down, hooking a finger under Alquett’s chin to force their eyes to meet. "…Exquisite. That look of despair on a sinner’s face—*thrilling*." She released her, adding lightly, "Oh—I nearly forgot. Before the flames, we strip the criminal bare. Bind them to a wooden cross. Announce their sins before the crowd. Let everyone see the fate of those who betray the Holy Light and consort with Demonkind—"

"No…"

Strength surged back into Alquett’s limbs. "No! You can’t! I’m the Holy Sword’s chosen Champion! The world’s last hope! I’m destined to slay the Demonlord—" She clutched Johanna’s leg, only to be shaken off.

"Without me, who wields the Holy Sword? Who protects Flameglow City? They *need* me—"

"How pathetic." Johanna kicked her away. "You’re no Champion anymore." She beckoned toward the bathroom.

A freshly bathed beauty emerged. Water dripped from her damp silver-white hair, tracing paths down bare feet. She wore a provocative black-and-white maid dress from the Eastern islands—fabric clinging to smooth skin, the skirt hem strategically high. Every step offered glimpses of hidden beauty. Bare shoulders, an open back, and a daring neckline showcased youthful, flawless skin. Her earlier blankness had melted into shy awkwardness. Cheeks flushed, eyes darting away, she covered her chest with trembling hands—yet gaps between her fingers betrayed tantalizing shadows.

The maid approached with hypnotic grace, stopping before them. Johanna shot the stunned Alquett a mocking glance.

"When you burn, she’ll take your place. Everyone will learn the executed traitor was merely a Bloodline imposter. The *true* Champion of the Night—Alquett—exposed the deception, adding another legend to the Church’s records." Johanna waved a hand. "Silencing those who knew you will be… simple."

"Seize her."

The door burst open. Guards flooded in.

Alquett struggled, but the maid’s hands shot out—faster than thought—and locked around her throat.

"This Bloodline monster impersonated the Champion! She broke out of prison, invaded my villa—drag her to the deepest cell! Prepare the pyre!"

"Ghk—!" Alquett clawed weakly at the iron grip. *This girl’s strength… rivals my night-form!*

Chains clamped onto her wrists and ankles. Guards pinned her down.

"Angry? Unjust?" Johanna watched, arms crossed, as Alquett was hauled up. The girl she’d once called family now glared with pure hatred. Johanna pulled the maid close, stroking her hair. "You deserve this. Bloodline filth shouldn’t exist." Her voice dripped with venom. "Any last words before the flames? Repentance? Tears? I’ll savor your final expression." She flicked her wrist. "Take her away."

Johanna caught the fury smoldering beneath Alquett’s despair. *Even rabbits bite when cornered. Especially starving vampire vermin.* If she resisted at the pyre? Perfect.

Everything had fallen into place—no need to provoke her further.

Johanna settled back on the sofa with the maid. The girl’s vacant, obedient face suddenly bored her. She shoved her off onto the floor.

"Get ready for the execution."

*That hollow despair in her eyes earlier… now that was beautiful.*