*********
Ember, tied to destruction and rebirth.
Lumiere, the manifestation of restoration and divine mercy.
And beyond that—the unmistakable fingerprints of higher beings.
The Greater God Ignivar, sovereign of sacred flame.
The Greater God Nexus, embodiment of balance and convergence.
Connections like those were not coincidences.
"Now then, my dear young master," Castor said smoothly, his tone polite yet unmistakably edged with quiet reproach. "Do you recognize the mysterious woman from earlier? The one who so graciously saved us and healed our people?"
The young master grimaced inwardly.
The sarcasm was subtle—but lethal.
"Yeah, yeah. I get it. I'm a fool," he thought.
His shoulders slumped as he gave a stiff nod of acknowledgment. Words failed him, and perhaps that was for the best.
Castor sighed softly, continuing, "How could you not have realized that you finally met Scarlette Overland? The woman you've admired for years."
