"Can the mark be removed?"
The mage's expression became serious. "Not easily."
"Can it be transferred?"
"No."
"Can someone who is not the chosen woman possess it?"
The mage paused. "That..." He looked at the mark on Airadel's hand. "If the Lightpool itself placed it upon her, then no."
Valerian's eyes narrowed. "So, if she possesses the mark..."
"Then she has been recognized by the Lightpool."
Valerian said nothing. His gaze lowered as he fell into deep thought. For the first time, he genuinely didn't know what to believe. If Airadel was truly the Woman of the Prophecy...
Then Aira was...
His jaw tightened. He remembered the way Aira had looked at him.
The strange names she had called him.
The way she complained about everything.
The way she had somehow managed to make him smile despite himself.
