"Until I can beget an offspring again and recover my Spirit Magic, I'm not leaving my benefactor's side. It's not only a matter of gratitude, but also the only way to keep the Summoner clan safe.
"My research is far from foolproof, and if things go wrong, I could easily go back to the monster I was. I won't put my descendants in danger because of my hubris again." Tezka said.
"Then let me stay by your side as your assistant." Lylka said. "I volunteered to come here, and I'm also willing to help you however I can. Whether you need something or to study a living Fylgja, I can-"
"No." Tezka's voice became stone cold, and he stared at her with flinty eyes. "Maybe you didn't listen to me earlier, kid, but I mean what I say. You don't know me, and I don't know you. Neither of us should trust a stranger with the clan's survival."
Lylka was stunned by such a firm refusal, but she could understand it.
