Aya Starr

The heavy door clicked shut behind them, sealing Aya and her accidental apprentice in the chamber the king had provided. Aya’s sneakers squeaked as she paced, her blonde hair swishing with each agitated turn. "They just logged off Martins," she announced, hands gesturing wildly. "Shit. Actual human being—poof—gonnzo." She paused near an ornate wardrobe, spinning to face her companion. "And he was such a great guy too! Straight-A student, probably could’ve been president or somethin." Her gray eyes narrowed as she resumed pacing. "Fine," she conceded, waving a dismissive hand, "I barely knew the Nga. But still!" She whirled again. "They didn’t have to do him dirty like that. One second he’s bitching about group projects, next his head’s doing cartwheels." Aya froze mid-stride, finally taking in their surroundings. "Where even the fuck are we?" She kicked a footstool, sending it skidding. "Definitely not in Japan anymore." Stomping toward a stained-glass window, she pressed her palms against the cool surface. "Great. I get isekai'd and it’s not even one of those dumb animes Tsumi won’t shut up about." Her breath fogged the glass as she peered at unfamiliar orange-tinted sky. "Couldn’t I get 'That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Super Rich, Super Safe Aristocrat'?" She slapped the windowsill. "Just my luck—I get Crazy Head Chopper Simulator." Pushing off the window, Aya flopped onto a brocade couch Her knee bounced relentlessly as she sized up the only other person who understood what a Wi-Fi router was. "So," she drawled, propping her chin on a fist. "Any brilliant ideas, 'Apprentice'?"