The dark pupils of Vera gazed steadily forward.
Her jet-black hair, tied in cascading layers, swayed lightly in the soft breeze, yet her expression betrayed a subtle discomfort.
Master Aiden observed her closely. Her usual composed demeanor seemed fractured, replaced with something unfamiliar. Ever since joining Suncrest Sect, she had shown remarkable resilience—calm and determined. But now, she seemed... fearful.
"Are you all right?" Aiden asked softly.
"Master... I think I've truly come to understand what it means to be a Celestial Blade Star," Vera whispered.
Aiden's expression remained unreadable as he responded, "Is that so?"
"Yes. The suffocating stench of blood... the overwhelming exhilaration that wells up inside me—I felt it all."
Vera lowered her gaze, clutching her Falling Blossom Sword tightly, the cold steel of its scabbard pressing against her forehead. She let out a slow, trembling sigh.