Sylvie froze for a moment, her throat tightening. She lowered her head, her eyes turning red.
Peregrine's pale face also trembled slightly, as if those words struck deeper than any poison ever could.
"We understand," Sylvie finally whispered, her voice hoarse.
Mary nodded slowly, then softened her tone.
"Good. Drink the soup first. After you recover your strength, we'll discuss how to break through that ice layer."
Her eyes darkened slightly as she recalled the freezing underground world.
"Because we're not done yet."
Mary's words fell like warm rain into the hearts of everyone present. In that moment, even the air inside the mindscape seemed to quiet down, as if the spiritual pets had all silently made the same vow.
From now on, protecting their master was no longer an obligation.
It was a belief.
Sylvie held Peregrine's hand tightly, her eyes bright with emotion as she asked eagerly, "En! Master, we'll remember it. Have you found the energy stone?"
