Velra took a step closer until she was right beside the bed.
"You have inherited power," she said. "A dangerous one. One that high-ranking demons would kill for."
"I figured."
She gave me a look that was equal parts frustration and bafflement.
"…you are becoming something that should not exist."
"…Thanks?"
"That was not praise."
Velra leaned in.
Her voice dropped to a whisper.
"Julies. From this moment on… you cannot show weakness. Not here. Not outside. Not to enemies. Not even to allies."
My breath caught.
She was too close.
Her golden eyes gleamed with something sharp—
not affection.
Not malice.
Fear.
For me.
"There are forces that will come for you," she said. "For what you carry. For what you killed. For what you inherited."
Her lips curled slightly.
"The Deceiving Ground Spider was working for demon king. Its death will not go unnoticed."
"…And you're warning me?"
"I am bound to you."
A beat.
