Ale took a deep breath.
She spoke fluently, as if she had been weaving these words in her heart for a long time, only now finding someone she could confide in.
"Mother harshly reprimanded Dad and me. She told me our enemies were trying to provoke us in the most blasphemous way, to make us reveal a weakness. Although we wouldn't fall for it, those mortals had undoubtedly become victims of our own selfish desires."
"That's a bit of an exaggeration," Colin said.
"I know. My father and I were in the wrong, but the ones who should truly be brought to justice are the evil-doers of the Dragon Worship Cult. They are the real culprits, but..."
Colin turned his head and found Ale looking at him.
Her pale golden eyes shimmered in the moonlight, seeming to radiate a light of their own. On her small face, her thin lips trembled slightly.
"I'm scared, Colin."
Colin looked at her intently.
