Lilian remained silent, simply watching Myles after he said that.
Many thoughts passed through her mind. From the things only she knew, things she had never spoken aloud.
One of them was the truth that she had intended to make him stronger from the very beginning. Strong enough to serve her own purpose and strong enough to become the sharpest blade she could wield. Her own soldier.
She had thought she would need to push him, guide him, perhaps even manipulate him to take that path.
But now, she realized something had changed.
Myles had stepped forward on his own.
The determination in his eyes was no longer born from desperation or instinct to survive alone. It was forged by his loss. By his own choice and resolve.
Fire burned behind his gaze, bright and unwavering. Whether he realized it or not his presence had changed. A faint pressure leaked from his body, it was subtle but unmistakable. An aura beginning to take shape.
Lilian smiled softly.
