"Ah, so it's the Grandmaster of Dawnveil's little disciple. I was wondering who dared."
"I understand you're grieving, but there's no need to forge a fake sword and impersonate the demon goddess just to cause a scene."
He waved his hand with casual dismissal, his tone edged with impatience. "Enough. Considering your filial devotion, I'll let today's antics slide."
"Toss that fake sword of yours into the Sword-Smelting Furnace."
"Then go find Immortal Lord Yunhe, pick whatever celestial post catches your fancy, and stay out of trouble from now on."
With that, Aldric wrapped his arm around Elara's shoulders and turned to leave.
I reached out and locked my fingers around Elara's wrist. My voice was ice. "What's the rush?"
"I don't want your celestial post. I want you to return my master's bones and sinews."
"Then come back with me and keep him company in his grave."
Both Aldric and Elara froze.
Rosalind was the first to recover.
Eager to prove herself, she charged over and slapped me across the face, snarling, "Lynara, you ungrateful wretch!"
"The Sovereign lets you off and you push your luck?!"
"Apologize to the Sovereign and his consort this instant, or I'll deal with you myself!"
I looked at Rosalind, cold and unblinking, and let my voice drop lower.
"Senior Sister. Everyone who has ever laid a hand on me is dead. My husband is the only exception."
Rosalind's brow furrowed. She spat, "Lynara, have you lost your mind?"
"You've never even been betrothed. Where did this 'husband' come from?"
"That's enough. Apologize now and stop this lunatic act!"
But before the last word left her lips, Rosalind crumpled to the ground like a rag doll. The bones in all four of her limbs snapped at once, twisting her arms and legs at grotesque angles.
She stared up at me in horror. "Lynara, what kind of dark sorcery is this?"
"Let me go! You're killing an immortal in front of the Sovereign himself. Do you have a death wish?!"
I didn't spare her another glance. My grip tightened on Elara's wrist, and my voice stayed flat. "Are you going to pull the bones out yourself and hand them over, or do you need me to do it for you?"
Elara's face went white as parchment. She turned instinctively to Aldric for help.
Only then did Aldric snap out of his stupor.
His expression hardened. Killing intent flooded his gaze.
"Girl. Crippling someone without lifting a finger. Your cultivation is impressive, I'll grant you that."
"But no matter how convincing the act, you are not the demon goddess."
"You don't have the power to face me."
"So I'll give you two choices. End your own life, or wait for me to scatter your soul into oblivion."
I looked at Aldric with something close to pity, and let every syllable land.
"Husband. You've already scattered my soul once."
"Do you really think it would work a second time?"
