After a long second she replied. "My aunt." She whispered. "And the one who sent me here."
Akamir's eyes narrowed behind the mask, though his body remained still.
"…Your own blood," he said slowly, his voice quiet. "Your aunt sold you into chains."
Serenya's lips trembled, but her eyes… though bruised and tired, they did not falter.
"Do not mistake me for a victim, masked one. I fought. I nearly killed her before they overwhelmed me."
She clenched her fist in anger. "That is why these runes burn into my flesh instead of simple shackles."
Nayomi floated closer, curiosity flickering in her blue eyes.
"So the lovely Aure princess who handed us her family's secrets… has darker roots than she let on."
Serenya spat blood to the ground, the act defiant despite her weakened state.
"Sylari speaks with honey but carries venom. Whatever deal she struck with you—know that it will be poison in the end."
Akamir leaned back in his chair, his fingers calmly placed on his knee.
