Lucas steadied his hand as he added the refined liquid drop by drop. The cauldron released a soft shimmer of pale light that clung to the air like mist. He narrowed his eyes, watching for any sudden reaction, but the mixture settled smoothly. It was a good sign.
Behind him, the ice belle had already finished half the bowl. She held the edge of it with both hands and leaned forward as if trying to see inside the broth for secrets.
"Xavier," she called out, her voice gentle but insistent.
He did not look away from the cauldron. "Yes, little supervisor."
She took another sip before speaking. "Why does the empress need this potion. Is she sick."
Lucas hesitated for a moment, choosing his words carefully.
"It is not an illness. Something was taken from her long ago. I am trying to restore what she lost."
The ice belle rested the bowl on her knees. "If someone takes something from me, I will freeze them into a statue."
