Epione.
Her long silver hair, fading into soft blue highlights at the ends, cascaded down to her waist.
She was dressed simply yet elegantly—a light blue gown emphasizing her slender figure.
But what stood out the most were her horns—two pristine white curves that framed her forehead like a natural crown.
Sighing, I walked toward her.
Then, I noticed someone else.
A woman sat silently in a chair beside her.
Long blue hair flowed down her back, and she wore a white dress that shimmered softly in the light.
Neither mother nor daughter spoke.
Epione turned her gaze to me as I approached.
"Himmel?" she whispered, her voice uncertain.
I smiled. "How have you been?"
Then, I shifted my gaze to the woman beside her.
She didn't acknowledge me, her blank aquamarine eyes lost in thought.
"Uh… hello?" I greeted cautiously.
Slowly, she looked up.
Her dead, empty eyes regarded me for a moment—then, without a word, she looked away.
I forced an awkward smile and glanced at Epione.
