Reborn as the Last van Ambrose

Mira’s amber eyes met his gaze without a hint of embarrassment or regret as Grim held her at arm’s length, his hands firm on her shoulders. A slight smile played at the corners of her now slightly smudged crimson lips, as if she had accomplished exactly what she’d intended.

"What do you think you’re doing?" Grim demanded, his voice low and dangerous.

"Testing your reflexes," she replied, the smile never leaving her face. "They’re still slower than I expected. The Ghost Veil hasn’t fully dissipated yet."

He released her abruptly, taking another step back to restore more distance between them. "Is this some kind of game to you?"

"Life is a game, Grim," Mira said, smoothing her dress out. "The sooner you remember that, the better you’ll play it." Her eyes flicked to the blood markings on his face.

[Be cautious,] the voice finally chimed in. [Her intentions are unclear, but she’s far from harmless.]

"Your father sent Feng to poison me," Grim said flatly. "And now you’re here. Forgive me if I find the timing suspicious."

Mira’s expression turned serious. "My father and I rarely agree on strategy. He sees you as a threat to be eliminated. I see you as..." She paused, considering her words. "An opportunity."

"An opportunity for what?"

"Change," she said simply. "The noble houses have stagnated. The same families playing the same games for generations. Then you return. The lost Ambrose heir." Her eyes gleamed with something that might have been admiration. "Whatever else happens, you’re going to reshape the landscape. I prefer to be on the advantageous side of such reshaping. Plus I’ve always liked you."

Before Grim could respond, footsteps approached from the corridor. Mira stepped away, her demeanor shifting instantly to something more formal and distant.