118 Is my pet insane?

Later the next day:

Tia sat tensely on the bed, still tired from the battle with the Paladin. Her gaze was fixed on the polished black wall of marble that dominated the chamber of the red-eyed esper. Her mind raced with fearful speculations of punishment—a beating, imprisonment, or perhaps a deadly mission.

Breaking the silence, a voice, melodious yet authoritative, spoke. "We're alone now, Tia. I'm listening. Tell me what's going on," the woman said, her tone a mix of intrigue and casual command.

Tia turned, surprised to find the imperial noble seated beside her, bringing an unknown floral fragrance with her. The woman's eyes, deep and red, bore into her. "You look scared, but you said you had a good reason for what you did. Let's hear it," she added, her voice smooth with a touch of warmth beneath its firmness.

Tia's mind raced with uncertainty. 'Should I tell her everything or just enough to keep her satisfied?' she thought, aware that any lie would be easily detected by Red-Eye. 'But I have to share something, at least enough to appease her.'

Despite her reluctance, Tia couldn't deny that her life had significantly improved under Red-Eye. Her powers had grown, and with them, a grudging sense of trust in her: 'She is investing in me. It is very unlikely she would just discard me so easily, at least until she gets what she wants. She even took care of me after the battle.'

With a hesitant breath, Tia began, "My powers... they have their own consciousness." She paused, anxious about how Red Eye might react. She didn't want to be called insane ever again.

Red-Eye leaned in, her interest evident in her piercing gaze. "Do they speak to you? What are they saying now?" She asked in a tone that was a blend of curiosity and intense focus, making Tia feel both vulnerable and seen.

Tia strained to read the nuances in Red-Eye's voice, uncertain whether she was met with skepticism or genuine interest. 'Is she mocking me or...?'

"I'm not insane," Tia whispered, her voice barely audible as she felt the heat radiating from the woman sitting very close.

Red-Eye regarded her thoughtfully. "I can see you truly believe what you're saying. I'm not suggesting you're delusional. But, given what's documented in your records..."

Feeling a surge of frustration eclipse her fear, Tia clenched her fists tightly. The urge to lash out at the woman next to her was overwhelming, yet she held back, her reason barely keeping her irritation at bay.

Red-Eye, however, seemed unfazed as she continued, "Nevertheless, I will trust you. Also, I'll do some digging. There might be relevant information in the imperial archives."

Tia's fists unclenched as surprise washed over her. 'She believes me?' A flicker of warmth pierced through her—a mix of relief and gratitude. Red-Eye hadn't dismissed her; instead, she had offered to assist in uncovering the truth.

Tia felt a tap on her shoulder, snapping her out of her reverie. "Now, tell me, why did you insist on sparing that pathetic worm?"

Caught off guard, Tia realized she had drifted into her thoughts. 'Focus...'

She hesitated before confessing, "My powers... I was desperate to become stronger, so I struck a deal with something. In return, it thrust me into that icy realm, demanding I protect that boy for a day. I had no idea that would happen."

Red-Eye studied her for a moment, then said, "Yes, I can feel that the power emanating from you has grown. I could even see it in the battle." Just as Tia started to relax, Red-Eye let out a sigh and added, "It seems you've narrowly escaped punishment today, so no spanking for you."

Tia's cheeks turned a deep shade of red; the mere mention of being spanked sent waves of embarrassment through her. She fought the urge to bury her face in her hands at the thought.

'Why does she sound almost disappointed?' Tia was perplexed and mortified at the same time.

Red's voice carried a stern undertone as she continued, "However, let this be a warning to you. If you ever do something so reckless and dangerous, be assured that you will not be spared punishment for risking your life. Remember, the path to power is not a sprint but a marathon."

POV ???:

In the darkness of a cramped room, its walls sheathed in sheets of cold, black metal, a solitary blue light flickered into existence. It emanated from a small computer lying on the floor, casting an eerie glow that danced across the room.

The light briefly illuminated the metallic gleam of officer insignia on the uniform of a figure standing in the corner, shrouded in shadows.

A voice, synthetic and unemotional, crackled from the device. "Our contacts in the capital have confirmed her imminent return to the core imperial system. Are all preparations complete on your side?"

From the depths of the shadows, the figure responded his voice a blend of calm and steely determination. "Our operatives are strategically positioned. We merely await her departure."

"Exemplary," the mechanical voice intoned. "Do not falter. Our kind will greatly benefit from the success of this mission."

As the blue light waned, receding back into the device, the room was once again engulfed in darkness.

(AN: I wonder, do you like, dislike, or straight-up hate this type of chapter that is mostly a dialogue?)