[Third Person].
Meredith had barely taken a dozen steps down the corridor when Valmora rose within her with cold, coiled disapproval.
"You are making a mistake," Valmora said, her voice low and dangerous in Meredith's mind. "That creature should not be allowed to live."
Meredith did not stop walking, and she didn't rush to utter a word yet.
"She is a shapeshifter," Valmora continued. "A liar by nature. A survivor without loyalty. Even bound, she will look for cracks. Even obedient, she will wait for weakness."
"I know," Meredith replied silently, her pace steady.
"Then why attempt to keep her?" Valmora demanded. "Why gamble with your life?"
Meredith's lips curved faintly. "Because I am not gambling."
Valmora bristled. "Explain."
"I already have a solution," Meredith answered calmly.
A small pause followed. Valmora said nothing. Seeing that Meredith was so stubborn about this, she withdrew.
Meredith knew Valmora was not appeased or convinced, but she didn't care.
---
