Matilda stood, a sudden jolt of pain seizing her as she swallowed the strange, glowing stone. The pain, though sharp and biting, was a testament to her unwavering resolve. It was nothing compared to the agony of her mission's failure. Her teeth clenched, a low growl escaping her lips:
"This pain is nothing," she hissed through the agony:
"compared to failing this mission. My life depends on it!"
Madeleine watched, a flicker of something unreadable in her eyes. The raw, unbridled energy radiating from Matilda was a wild storm, and Madeleine, with a casual snap of her fingers, calmed it to a gentle breeze. "I'll admit," Madeleine said with a half-smile.
"You're crazy."
"Thank you," Matilda replied, her voice a low murmur, a stark contrast to her earlier attitude.
"What? No witty comeback?" Madeleine's brow furrowed.
"No... It's just..." Matilda stood, her gaze meeting Madeleine's.
