Chapter 38: I Would Never Betray You… Unless I Already Have

"What did you just say?"

Seris's voice was sharp, low, like the wind before a thunderclap.

Liora didn't blink.

"I said it's you in Chapter Fifty."

Kai stood between them, his fingers twitching at his sword hilt, unsure whether to draw or run.

Seris stepped forward, fire in her eyes.

"You're lying. This is some kind of trick."

Liora didn't move. Her silver hair fluttered like ribbons in a storm.

"I wish I were."

[System Alert – Affection Bond: Seris Veyron]

Status: Unstable

Trust Sync: 62% → 47%

Warning: Divergence detected

Emotional response: Hostile / Defensive / Denial

Kai looked at Seris, searching for something — anything — to prove Liora wrong.

But doubt moved like a shadow between heartbeats.

"Seris…" he said carefully. "She said you're the one who kills me."

Seris laughed. It wasn't a kind laugh.