Just as Lady Virelila finished speaking, a presence approached from the side with deliberate, unhurried steps. The faint scent of burning incense followed her arrival, and the air around her carried a sharp undertone of restrained flame energy.
Max turned slightly and saw another woman stop a short distance away from them. She appeared to be in her early thirties, her features refined and coldly beautiful, her crimson robes embroidered with patterns of coiling dragons formed from silver thread.
Lady Virelila's eyes shifted toward the newcomer, and the faint softness in her expression vanished.
"Elder Seraphina Vale," Lady Virelila acknowledged calmly.
The woman smiled, though there was no warmth in it. Seraphina Vale was the elder of the Twenty Third Hall, a hall long known for its aggressive cultivation methods and its pride in producing flame specialists. Her gaze swept across the disciples standing behind Lady Virelila, lingering briefly on Max before returning to Virelila.
