103 Outstretched Hand [Bonus]

The atmosphere was dense with unuttered words as Tia and Red stood facing each other in utter silence. Red's outstretched hand hovered in the space between them.

Tia's heart raced, every beat echoing the crescendo of fear that surged within her. The realization of her miscalculation crashed over her. Eagerness for power had blinded her, causing caution and discretion to be cast aside.

'What will she do now?' Uncertainty and dread coiled within Tia. She had underestimated the significance of her witchcraft, and the silence amplifying Red's imposing presence made her shudder.

"You can break the balance and current order of the galaxy, Tia." Red's voice cut the silence like a knife. In the stark, ordered world of technology, Tia's witchcraft stood as an unbridled, chaotic force capable of disrupting the order and current powers.

Tia's breath came in shallow, quickened pulses as Red's penetrating gaze bore into her, the seriousness and the fact that Red called her by her name reinforcing her fear and dread.

"You are weak, and the boost to your power made a small difference on the grand scale, but to an Esper already able to tear planets with their power, it would turn them into a monster."

Tia's original plan shattered like a thin glass pane. The dream of independence and a life sustained by selling her crafted goods turned into nothing but impossible.

'If my enchantments are so dangerous, no precautions would be enough to hide me. Someone would hunt me down.'

Red leaned in closer, and the red lights in Red's eyes danced chaotically. Her warm breath, a stark contrast to the cold realization settling within Tia, grazed her face and sent shudders down her spine.

"Let's build our empire. Let's shatter the current order together. I can see the hunger within you. Something big will happen soon, so let's use it for our gain."

Tia's gaze fixed on Red's outstretched arm, now understanding the meaning behind the gesture. It was an invitation to join her.

The turmoil of emotions surged within Tia. Irritation at the apparent manipulation clashed with relief, an acknowledgment of the opportunity before her.

'Can I even refuse it? Would she force me to work for her against my will? I am already here, trapped within her grasp as her pet.'

A fleeting thought of escape, of finding an alliance elsewhere, ran across Tia's mind but vanished as swiftly as it came. The known, as oppressive as it was, outweighed the chilling uncertainties of the unknown.

'At least I know her a bit. Who knows what other powers would try to do?'

Tia's hand, quivering yet determined, reached out and clasped Red's.

'It's warm...' The bit of warmth brought a sense of relief.

Red's stoic mask of nobility melted away, replaced by a broad, triumphant, yet gentle grin. Her other hand reached out, gently patting Tia's head.

"Good girl, we will accomplish a lot of great things. You truly are a great pet."

If it weren't for the betrayal in her previous life, she would even be happy with the deal. However, the Red's offer sent a shiver down her spine as she felt like she was spiraling down the same route that cost her her life before.

'I can't drop my guard...' Tia looked up into the red eyes, feeling like something was different than before. She couldn't match the image of the manipulative woman with Red.

'She doesn't act like someone who is manipulating me. She openly messes with me and degrades me into a pet.' She remembered the false sweetness with which the traitor showered her, drowning out all of her common sense.

'Is there even a need for her to trick me when she holds all the power and could just force me to do anything she wants?' In her past, betrayal came from an equal, another rising star. Red was already a force that held all the cards, not someone who needed to lower herself to trickery.

'If she is honest, this could be the partnership I need.' Still, Tia clenched her free hand into a fist, refusing to fall for the same trap as before.