Bertha began narrating the scene that unfolded in front of Kyn and his companions as they dined with the enthusiasm of true fine cuisine connoisseurs. This time, Athena made a grand entrance, exuding the glamour of a fashion model. She was dressed in a stunning bodycon maxi gown, a true gem from her wardrobe. The Qadira gown she wore was a perfect representation of pure glamour.
The dress had a ruched design that hugged her body in the most flattering way. It featured a sleek flat neckline, delicate thin spaghetti straps that added an air of elegance, and a daring single side slit that reached just above her knee. The Qadira dress was the pinnacle of feminine perfection, created for those who desired the spotlight.
To complete her look, Athena had her hair pulled back into a sleek, sophisticated ponytail. She also sported a pair of dazzling statement earrings, adding a touch of sparkle to her overall appearance. It was the perfect look for a glamorous cocktail party.
The dress was made of a stretchy, ruched organza mesh material that not only looked great but also provided comfort. The bustier cut neckline added a touch of boldness to the outfit, while the bodycon fit accentuated her curves, cinching in at the waist to create a captivating silhouette. Athena was the embodiment of style and sophistication, a vision that left everyone in awe as she graced the room.
Jasmine was the first to notice Athena's entrance, and her eyes widened with surprise. Flora, sitting beside her, quickly followed Jasmine's gaze and exchanged a knowing, somewhat envious look with her. Meanwhile, Kyn and Mot remained deeply engrossed in their meal, seemingly oblivious to the unfolding drama.
Athena, however, wasn't content with merely arriving; she wanted to make a statement. She majestically strode over to their table, her graceful steps drawing attention from all corners of the room. Her presence seemed deliberately designed to provoke Jasmine and Flora, the two Gaïas, who couldn't help but feel a sense of rivalry.
Leaning over the table, Athena's posture hints at the tantalising allure of her outfit. Her voice, ethereal yet laced with a seductive undertone, resonated in a way that could make even angels blush. With a sly smile, she greeted Kyn in a voice that held an almost hypnotic quality, "Good morning, hunter."
The room fell momentarily hushed as Athena's words hung in the air, leaving an undeniable sense of tension in her wake. It was a scene that had everyone's attention, a complex interplay of emotions, rivalry, and unspoken desires.
Bertha, ever the observant one, couldn't help but notice the increasingly irritated expressions on the faces of the two Gaïas, Jasmine and Flora. Unable to contain her amusement, she let out a hearty laugh, which only served to intensify their jealousy.
Kyn, in the midst of his hearty meal, sensed a shift in the atmosphere and decided to look up. His gaze fell upon Athena, who seemed oddly familiar to him. Unlike the encounters with the formidable chaos entities, Gaia and Nyx, Athena sparked a sense of déjà vu. He furrowed his brow, trying to place where he might have met her before.
As Athena stood there, attempting to spook Kyn with her presence, something unexpected happened. Kyn, with a perplexed expression, felt a connection, as if he had encountered her in some distant memory. But the exact details remained just out of reach.
Athena, initially filled with confidence, suddenly found herself speechless. She met Kyn's gaze, and to her astonishment, a faint blush flushed her cheeks. She had intended to playfully spook him, but it appeared that Kyn had a mysterious hold over her. The situation had taken an unexpectedly humorous turn, leaving everyone, including Bertha, in stitches over the unpredictable dynamics at play.
As Kyn stared at Athena, a rush of memories flooded his mind. It was like pieces of a long-forgotten puzzle falling into place. He knew he had seen this woman before, and the recollection was crystal clear now.
In his previous life as a detective, he and his partner had been assigned to protect a high-profile model in the bustling city of Gems, one of Andoria's capitals. Her name was Isabella, and she had a reputation for being a bit of a flirt and a prankster. Kyn had always been the serious one, while his partner often chided him for not appreciating her beauty and the playful nature of their assignment.
He remembered countless nights they spent trailing Isabella through the city's luxurious clubs and lavish parties, always vigilant and trying to keep her safe from potential threats. Kyn's partner would often tease him about his stoic demeanour, telling him to lighten up and enjoy the job. But Kyn insisted they take their duty seriously, even if it meant reprimanding his partner.
His partner had lamented that Kyn couldn't see the beauty in life; he couldn't appreciate the joy and laughter Isabella brought to the often grim world of detective work. Now, the absence of his partner serves as a poignant reminder of the perils they encountered.
As Kyn gazed at Athena, a sense of nostalgia and regret washed over him. He missed his partner's presence and camaraderie, but he also felt a burning desire to avenge his partner's death. It was a vow he had made, a promise to bring those responsible to justice, and it resonated deep within him.
Deep within Kyn, the chaotic entity stirred, as if fuelled by his determination, and the memories of his past life, it saw its trigger for the gun that housed him, and with that, he thought, 'A Dante's Retribution agenda should suffice.' The past and the present seemed to merge as he recognised Athena staring back at him, and the chaos within him grew even stronger, pushing him closer to the truth and the justice he sought.
'As much as I thought I'd be capable of forgetting, it seems like you just can't forget,' Kyn thought.
"Ahem!" Jasmine broke the stalemate, and Kyn realised his mistake.
"It's not what it looks like," he immediately tried to save himself.
"I understand, but actions carry more weight than mere words," uttered the now enraged Gaia, who had now seized the opportunity to blackmail him. Flora walks up and sides with Jasmine, and together both in unison look back at him and ask,
"When it comes to attention...''
"... who's your first?"
They both spoke interchangeably.