"It's the core from the Shadow Wraith," Azel said evenly, placing the shimmering fragment on the table. Its faint glow illuminated the room in soft hues of pale blue, like moonlight frozen in crystal form. "It was a Rank 4 monster, so you can use it to grow stronger."
Lorraine's eyes widened, her breath hitching slightly.
The mere mention of a Rank 4 monster was enough to stir any mage's ambitions — it was no small feat to slay such a creature, much less offer its core so freely.
Her hands trembled slightly, and her beautiful face twisted with unease.
"Why…" she began, her voice barely above a whisper. "Why are you being so nice?"
Azel raised an eyebrow but didn't speak.
He simply watched her as she wrestled with her words.
It would be a waste to talk to her right now.
"To me and my father," she continued, her tone quivering, "you've done so much already. Is there… is there something you want?"
