Back in the Infernal Clan estate, Vahn opened his eyes. The surge of the Fire Affinity settled deep in his core.
Lilith stood near the wall, looking outside at the serene sky, acting as though she hadn't heard Vahn and Flama's entire bizarre conversation. Once she noticed Vahn's return, she turned back and dismissed the black mirror with a nonchalant wave of her hand.
Only then did she ask, "Did you get the Fire Seed from her?"
"Yes, kind of," Vahn replied with a mysterious smile. Lilith hadn't observed the full conversation, so she couldn't detect any hidden meaning in his twisted reply.
"That's good. But why didn't you try to bring her to our side while the iron was hot?"
"That won't work," Vahn replied calmly. "Anyone would choose their family over a stranger she barely knows."
Just then, he noticed Lilith clench her fist, a reaction he had learned to recognize as a deep, painful memory. Realizing his mistake, he clicked his tongue.
