The humiliation, the helplessness, the sheer frustration of being rendered powerless against the Dark Guild's ambush.
Her shameful performance replayed like a cruel echo.
And now—now of all times—she would have to be in the same team as Harry.
Her chest rose and fell a little quicker, her breath uneven. She exhaled slowly, trying to steady herself, and muttered inwardly, 'Why am I getting so worked up over this anyway…?'
She told herself firmly that this didn't mean anything. That it was just another guild arrangement, nothing more. That Harry was simply another Elementalist—strong, yes, unusual, yes, but nothing beyond that.
And yet, her heart refused to listen.
It beat faster, louder, as if mocking her reasoning.
Her nails dug lightly into her palms.
Then Seraphina's voice broke the silence again, calm but carrying an odd note, almost teasing.
"He's still in the guild," she said evenly. "You can meet him… if you want."
