The crimson princess

Pov Inglis,

Unknown: "I would like to know one thing—who are you, really?"

I heard a voice in my head that belonged to the creepy little girl, yet she hadn't opened her lips.

Unknown: "How creepy I am, huh? You're a newborn, and yet you're aware of your world and even managed to stop my arm, even though I didn't put any real power into it. If I know everything, it's because I've been reading your thoughts—your vocal cords aren't fully developed yet."

Inglis: "This is not the time to talk. The house is on fire, and in my opinion, the flames will reach us in just a few minutes."

She made a gesture, and strange writing in a language I didn't recognize appeared. When the inscription was complete, a protective dome formed around us.

Unknown: "Now nothing can disturb our conversation. So answer my question—truthfully—because I will know if you lie. And don't worry about time passing, because I have all the time I need."

I explained to her my heroic past and everything that had led to the present situation. She only interrupted me to ask for more details about certain things.

Unknown: "I see, I see. It's sad that you had to die so young and couldn't enjoy life."