The woman silently gazed at the familiar face before her, witnessing an unexpected vulnerability and plea. She instinctively raised her hand, only to touch her own cheek marked with dark patterns.
"I... miscalculated," she sighed softly. "You've truly grown up, Seraphina."
Marlina smiled as she spoke, as if all that had transpired was merely an illusion.
The bone-deep rage, genuine hatred, and fierce words... were, as Seraphina had surmised, phantoms designed to provoke her resentment.
"I can't deceive you with what I've learned from you."
Seraphina reached out to touch Marlina's cheek, but the latter stepped back, evading her touch. She lowered her head slightly and said softly, "But you can't fool me twice either, Marli."
"Mr. Ansel would be pleased."
"If the price is you," Seraphina enunciated each word, "even if it would please Ansel, I won't accept it."
