Chapter 103: Outstretched Hand [Bonus]

Chapter 103: Outstretched Hand [Bonus]

The atmosphere was dense with unuttered words as Tia and Red stood facing each other in utter silence. Red's outstretched hand hovered in the space between them.

Tia's heart raced, every beat echoing the crescendo of fear that surged within her. The realization of her miscalculation crashed over her. Eagerness for power had blinded her, causing caution and discretion to be cast aside.

'What will she do now?' Uncertainty and dread coiled within Tia. She had underestimated the significance of her witchcraft, and the silence amplifying Red's imposing presence made her shudder.

"You can break the balance and current order of the galaxy, Tia." Red's voice cut the silence like a knife. In the stark, ordered world of technology, Tia's witchcraft stood as an unbridled, chaotic force capable of disrupting the order and current powers.

Tia's breath came in shallow, quickened pulses as Red's penetrating gaze bore into her, the seriousness and the fact that Red called her by her name reinforcing her fear and dread.

"You are weak, and the boost to your power made a small difference on the grand scale, but to an Esper already able to tear planets with their power, it would turn them into a monster."

Tia's original plan shattered like a thin glass pane. The dream of independence and a life sustained by selling her crafted goods turned into nothing but impossible.

'If my enchantments are so dangerous, no precautions would be enough to hide me. Someone would hunt me down.'

'It's warm...' The bit of warmth brought a sense of relief.

Red's stoic mask of nobility melted away, replaced by a broad, triumphant, yet gentle grin. Her other hand reached out, gently patting Tia's head.

"Good girl, we will accomplish a lot of great things. You truly are a great pet."

If it weren't for the betrayal in her previous life, she would even be happy with the deal. However, the Red's offer sent a shiver down her spine as she felt like she was spiraling down the same route that cost her her life before.

'I can't drop my guard...' Tia looked up into the red eyes, feeling like something was different than before. She couldn't match the image of the manipulative woman with Red.

'She doesn't act like someone who is manipulating me. She openly messes with me and degrades me into a pet.' She remembered the false sweetness with which the traitor showered her, drowning out all of her common sense.

'Is there even a need for her to trick me when she holds all the power and could just force me to do anything she wants?' In her past, betrayal came from an equal, another rising star. Red was already a force that held all the cards, not someone who needed to lower herself to trickery.

'If she is honest, this could be the partnership I need.' Still, Tia clenched her free hand into a fist, refusing to fall for the same trap as before.