Layer by layer — mother-of-pearl. Layer by layer — silence. Layer by layer — an illusion mistaken for healing. This is how tenderness takes on the taste of the forbidden; this is how caution becomes a virtue; this is how feelings turn into preserves. Walled up. A night torn out. A scar allowed to shine. Clench your jaw. And a sound will ring out. Thin. Almost musical. And mother-of-pearl will answer with scarlet blood. RAW INFINITE PRESENCE © Kuro / 2026