Anya's smile widened. "Indeed, The divine weapon itself it told me of a sudden… splitting of its essence, one part ending up in your hands, the other in mine."
"...Well, let's just say it involves something I can't explain," Alex mumbled, frustration tinging his voice.
Anya chuckled, a warm, knowing sound. "Just like you, young man," she teased, her eyes twinkling. "Full of secrets. But take care, Alex, don't burden yourself with things you can't share. And... "I… well, I love you."
With that bombshell of a declaration, Anya turned and walked away, leaving Alex rooted to the spot. Her words echoed in his mind: "I love you." Was it a motherly affection, or something more? The weight of her unexpected sentiment hung heavy in the air.
"Yeah, thanks...wait, what?" Alex mumbled awkwardly, his mind reeling.
He replayed her words, searching for a deeper meaning.