Chapter 270 - Unexpected concerns
The [Firefox Charm] activated, and in a brief swirl of flames, the Fire Emberling materialised between Scarlett and Mistress. The fiery fox’s luminous eyes fixed upon Scarlett, devoid of curiosity.
Mistress regarded the fox, her masked visage tilting slightly in what almost seemed to be a blend of laughter and hunger, strangely enough. “My, my. Have you brought me a treat? It’s been an age since I’ve sampled an Etherialias, and I must admit, I am feeling rather famished.”
Her gaze shifted to the [Sacred Flame] cradled in Scarlett’s hand. Though her eyes were hidden, Scarlett could sense the woman’s eyebrows rising up. “And now that,” she continued, tone sharpening with interest, “that’s a rare sight indeed. A primordial elemental essence. In what godforsaken realm did you unearth such a treasure?”
“The Emberling is not here to sate your appetite,” Scarlett said, her voice firm. “As for this flame, it was quite the opposite. I discovered it in an ancient temple dedicated to the fire goddess after enduring its trial.”
Mistress clicked her tongue, a sound tinged with both envy and annoyance. “Typical. Those self-important gods always hoard the best stuff for themselves.” She knelt, extending a hand towards the Emberling. A delicate flame flickered to life on her fingertips, and the fox immediately darted from Scarlett to Mistress, like a moth drawn to the fire. Mistress casually stroked its fiery fur as if petting a common house cat. “What have you been feeding this little marvel? It’s practically bursting with essence.”
Scarlett’s eyes stayed on the fox. She hadn’t seen any visible changes in the Emberling after it absorbed the elementals, but she was acutely aware of the vast gulf between her and Mistress’ magical abilities.
“It has taken in the essence of a lava hydra,” she explained, folding her arms. “And I have no intention of hunting down another simply to satisfy your appetite, so I suggest you be careful with those wandering hands of yours.”
A sly smile curled on the woman’s lips as she withdrew her arm, extinguishing the flame. The Emberling, bereft of a fire to focus on, returned to standing idly by.
“Such a pity,” Mistress lamented. “All that delectable essence, and not a morsel for me.” Her gaze sharpened as she rose and focused on Scarlett. “Now then, what brings you to seek old Mistress’ arcane expertise, hmm?”
Scarlett held her ground, staring into the scarlet ruby eyes of the woman’s mask. “I want you to perform the Rite of Primal Harmonisation.”
Mistress stilled, her body seeming to tense as if struck. For a long moment, silence flooded the underground chamber. Then, a shrill laugh erupted from the woman, echoing off the stone walls and sending an icy tingle down Scarlett’s spine. As the laughter died, Mistress’ demeanour shifted, her posture becoming almost predatory.
“Now that,” she said, her voice low and dangerous, “is most intriguing. I can hazard a guess as to how you learned of my identity and those other tantalising tidbits of knowledge nestled in that pretty head of yours. But this… This leaves me truly perplexed.” Her tone took on a razor’s edge. “Those meddlesome gods wouldn’t waste their breath on such esoteric details, nor would they afford to. And you certainly didn’t glean this from any of your Zuverian ruins.”