Chapter 146: Terms & Conditions

RETH

Her words pierced him like arrows. Lucine? Why would she bring Lucine up now? Did she truly wish to create a rift between them? Reth was floored.

"Why would you… are you trying to trap me, Elia?" he asked quietly, trying to keep the hurt from his voice, but uncertain if he'd been successful. Every hair on his body wanted to stand up.

"No!" she groaned. "I'm trying to make a point! Unless I'm seen as being at least as capable as Lucine would have been, I'm a disadvantage to the Anima—at least, in the people's eyes. I'm asking you to help me!"

It was an effort not to gape. "I have been helping you! You've just finished telling me you don't want my help! You want to do this on your own!"