---

The masquerade's aftermath still lingered in Furina's thoughts. Yoshika's icy demeanor and Arlecchino's unsettling presence made Snezhnaya feel like a web of shadows she wasn't sure how to navigate. Yet, Furina wasn't one to back down from a challenge-she'd faced a nation's judgment before and lived to tell the tale.

Back in Fontaine, the city's performers were as lively as ever. Among them, none shone brighter than Lyney, the famed magician, and his twin sister Lynette. Furina had watched their shows countless times, both as the God of Justice and as the "biggest celebrity" she now styled herself.

This time, she found herself at one of their grand performances. She sat among the audience, her gaze fixed on the stage as Lyney stepped into view, his magician's hat tipped jauntily to one side.

"Ladies and gentlemen!" Lyney declared, his voice brimming with energy. "Prepare to witness illusions that will blur the line between reality and imagination!"

Lynette appeared beside him, her movements quiet yet precise. She handed him a prop-a shimmering silver wand-and stepped back into the shadows, her presence subtle but integral.

As the show began, Furina couldn't help but feel a pang of nostalgia. Lyney's energy and charm reminded her of herself in her prime, basking in the adoration of the Fontaine masses. But the show took a surprising turn when Lyney locked eyes with her mid-performance.

"And for my next trick," he said, a sly grin spreading across his face, "I'll need the assistance of a very special guest."

The spotlight swung to Furina, who froze momentarily before recovering with a dramatic flourish.

"Well, how could I refuse?" she said, rising gracefully and ascending the stage.

The crowd cheered as Lyney guided her through a series of tricks. Cards appeared from thin air, ribbons danced like serpents, and a dazzling finale saw Furina "vanish" from one side of the stage and reappear on the other.

As the applause thundered, Lyney leaned close and whispered, "Meet me backstage after the show. We have much to discuss."

---

Backstage, the twins waited for her. Lyney was all smiles, while Lynette observed quietly, her sharp gaze missing nothing.

"Furina," Lyney began, his tone still playful but tinged with curiosity. "The former Fontaine celebrity graces our stage. What an honor!"

"Spare me the flattery," Furina said, though her smirk betrayed her amusement. "What do you want?"

Lyney's expression turned serious. "I couldn't help but notice you've been traveling a lot lately. And not just for leisure, I suspect."

Furina narrowed her eyes. "What are you implying?"

Lynette spoke up, her voice soft but firm. "Father told us to watch out for you."

Furina stiffened. "Father? You mean Arlecchino?"

"Of course," Lyney said, tipping his hat. "She's... concerned about your presence here. She doesn't trust you, and frankly, neither do I."

"Then why perform for me?" Furina asked, crossing her arms.

Lyney's grin returned. "Because you're fascinating. And I think we could help each other."

"I don't need help," Furina snapped.

"Everyone needs help," Lynette said quietly. "Even you."

Lyney nodded. "Think about it, Furina. We're performers, just like you. If you want to reclaim your star, perhaps a little magic is what you need."

Furina hesitated. The twins were cunning, no doubt about it, but their offer was tempting. Snezhnaya was a labyrinth of intrigue, and she couldn't navigate it alone.

"Fine," she said at last. "But don't think this makes us friends."

"Partners, then," Lyney said, extending his hand.

Reluctantly, Furina shook it, sealing an alliance that would change the course of her journey.

---

𝖠/𝖭: 𝖸𝖺𝗅𝗅 𝗂 𝗄𝗇𝗈𝗐 𝗅𝗒𝗇𝖾𝗒 𝖺𝗇𝖽 𝖥𝗎𝗋𝗂𝗇𝖺 𝖺𝗋𝖾 𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝗄𝗂𝗇𝖽𝖺 𝖽𝗂𝗌𝗅𝗂𝗄𝖾 𝖾𝖺𝖼𝗁𝗈𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗋 𝗈𝗋 𝗋𝗂𝗏𝖺𝗅𝗌? 𝖡𝗎𝗍 𝗍𝗁𝖾𝗒 𝗀𝖾𝗍 𝖺𝗅𝗈𝗇𝗀 𝗂𝗇 𝗍𝗁𝗂𝗌 𝖿𝗂𝖼 𝗈𝗄𝖺𝗒???😔