Chapter 610: Price of Betrayal
Nithalee’s aura sent tremors coursing through my body. My legs nearly buckled beneath my weight, and my tail swished audibly in the tense silence, louder even than the pounding of my heart. Still, I held her gaze, gripping my skirt to keep my hands from shaking.
She glared at me for what felt like an eternity, but just as black began to creep into my vision, the pressure vanished. Nithalee’s lips curved in a small smile, and I sagged like a puppet with its strings cut, gasping for breath.
"Your fear tells me you did not come here ignorantly. You knew the risks, what I am capable of. I could shatter your soul with a thought or hand you over to the inquisitors. As the demons advance, morale is low all around the world. I’m sure hearing you sing would lift spirits."
She sighed and sat back down again, gesturing for me to approach. "Come here, foolish child. As much as I’m loath to do so, I’ll hear you out. Your courage deserves that much, at least. Whatever possessed you to come here?"
I approached slowly and stood before her, gripping my staff tightly. She raised her head suddenly, and I jumped, letting out a little squeak. She chuckled, and her wrinkles smoothed a touch.
"You look exhausted, child. You might as well sit down. I said you’ll get a chance to speak, and I mean it. Even if those inquisitors burst through the door, I won’t let them lay a finger on you," she said, waving to the bench beside her.
I nodded and gingerly sat down, carefully lifting my tail so it didn’t drag against the polished pew. Nithalee’s eyes narrowed at the ugly scar before flicking over the rest of my body, taking in the angry red lines that peeked through the tattered slashes lacing my dress. Her lips pursed in a frown.
"His estimation was wrong, it seems," she murmured so low I barely caught it with my sharpened senses. "Your courage was beyond what I thought."
"His?" I asked, tilting my head.
Her eyebrows rose. "I’m surprised you have time to worry about things you shouldn’t be hearing. Tell me, why do you think I would be willing to betray humanity for you?"
I clenched my hands in my lap, staring at my feet. The pew was made for someone a foot taller than me, leaving my boots dangling an inch off the ground. Upon feeling my discomfort, Borealis hopped into my lap, resting his head against my thighs.