บท 181: Aura

The moment those words left Iryndra's lips, Joaquin, Jasmine, and Nol froze, their expressions a mixture of shock and perplexity.

Azriel sighed inwardly, already regretting that he hadn't stopped this from happening earlier.

"Ow!"

He lightly chopped Iryndra on the head, causing her to yelp in protest. Standing beside her, he turned to Joaquin, whose gaze shifted from the little girl to Azriel, confusion evident on his face.

Azriel offered a wry smile before glancing down at Iryndra. She clutched her head, glaring up at him with watery eyes.

"I thought you didn't like that title."

"...It has its uses sometimes." 

Iryndra huffed, still rubbing her head, while the others continued to stare at the two of them in stunned silence.

"She isn't lying," Azriel finally admitted.

"She's a Heptarch. Well... was one. As far as Neo Genesis is concerned, she's dead and forgotten."