Claudia's thoughts spun in a whirlwind. 'I never knew Vanitas could see essence?! It wasn't mentioned in the novel—what is going on?!!'
'Argh, what's the point of having read the novel if it leaves me this clueless?!'
'Why is she suddenly quiet?' Vanitas' gaze sharpened, piercing through her with an intensity that felt like it could see straight through her. 'She's hiding something.'
Claudia's mind raced, her usual composure slipping. 'What should I do? What should I do? Maybe I should just come clean...' Panic nipped at her thoughts, but she could feel herself hesitating, unsure of how much she could reveal.
Before she could gather her words, Vanitas leaned in, his voice low, probing. "I'm right, aren't I?"
Claudia's heart leapt. Her lips parted, the truth almost spilling out before she could stop herself. "Ah yes, my lord... I'm not the original Claudia. But how did you know?" Her voice was steady, but her hands betrayed her, trembling ever so slightly.
