The lull was brief, tense, and punctured by Lilith's unnervingly amused psychic voice as she helped Alice to her feet.
«To sacrifice a prized defensive asset for little old me… I am touched, Alice. Truly. I didn't know you cared so deeply.» Her crimson eyes glimmered with teasing malice.
Alice shook her off, bristling. «Don't flatter yourself! That shield was bulky and inefficient! It was… logical to use it as a disposable barrier! My Void Locker is more streamlined without it! It had nothing to do with you!» She turned her head away, but the flick of her ears betrayed a flustered annoyance.
«Yeah, right!» Ignis chimed in, having limped over, her leg wound already closing. «You like her! You're all weird and blushy!»
«I DO NOT 'BLUSH'! I AM A VOID PANTHER! MY FUR IS PERMANENTLY BLACK!» Alice shrieked, her composure fully shattered.
