The night pressed down heavy on the manor.
The Devilukean fleet still orbited above, silent and waiting. But inside Lala's room, the world was still.
She sat cross-legged on her bed, brushing out her long pink hair, humming softly.
But the hum faded. Her hands slowed.
Her eyes lifted, catching her reflection in the mirror—
and mine, behind them.
"Scourge…" she said quietly, the brush lowering to her lap.
"You're quiet tonight. Too quiet."
I stirred faintly under her skin, a ripple she could feel along her spine.
"…Am I?"
She turned then, looking directly at where I pulsed beneath her collarbone.
"You are. I can feel it. Like… something heavy is sitting inside you. Are you angry? Or… sad?"
Her voice was soft, but steady.
She wasn't accusing. She wasn't afraid.
She was concerned.
The memory of Sephie's eyes. The mission window still glowing crimson. The whispers of slaughter and restraint tearing at me.
I almost told her.
Almost.
But instead, I reached out gently, threading a tendril of thought across our bond.
"Lala."
"Yes?"
"I need… time."
Her lips parted. Surprise, not hurt.
"Time?"
"Yes." My voice was low, steady. "To think. To decide. There are… voices, pulling me apart. I don't want to lie to you. But I can't answer you yet. Not without knowing which part of me is true."
She blinked slowly, her lashes trembling.
For a heartbeat, I thought she would demand more. Press me. Push past the silence.
Instead, she smiled. Small. Sad.
"Then think," she whispered. "But promise me one thing."
"What?"
"Don't decide alone. When you're ready… let me listen too."
Her hand pressed over her chest, right above me. Warm. Steady.
And for the first time since the crimson window had appeared, the storm inside me quieted—
not gone.
But muted.
Because she hadn't tried to fix me.
She had simply stayed.
[System Notice – Host Emotional Bond (Lala): Strengthened]
Trust Path: +12%
'Maybe that's what scares me most.
That her presence makes me want to choose restraint.'