Chương 43: The Illusion's Fear

As the illusion cast by Sona faded, the three thugs stumbled, emerging from the horrific visions that had consumed their minds.

Their faces, once painted with arrogant sneers, were now etched with pure terror.

Tears streaked down their cheeks, and they choked out desperate apologies as they fled from Ani's home.

"Forgive us! Forgive us! Please!" they cried out repeatedly, their voices shaky as they tripped over each other in their haste to get away.

High above, Sona hovered in satisfaction, her wings spreading out with a faint glow.

With a slight tilt of her head, she observed the fleeing men, a sense of pride in her ethereal eyes.

I followed my master's orders without shedding a drop of blood, she thought. They've been shown the cost of their cruelty, and the fear will keep them from returning to their crimes.

Her task complete, Sona ascended higher and, with a shimmer of her wings, vanished, teleporting herself back toward Adam's location.

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Scene Transition

Not far away, Adam was waiting, pacing as he received updates from Pratham, his expression a blend of curiosity and anticipation.

"Lord Adam, the thugs have run off," Pratham informed him through the earpiece, his tone relieved yet slightly puzzled.

Adam's eyes lit up, a small grin spreading across his face. "They're gone? Tell me what happened."

Pratham hesitated. "We didn't see it all clearly, but they stopped a short distance from Ani's house. They stood there, trembling for a few minutes before bolting. It was strange… but they didn't dare to go inside."

Listening, Adam raised an eyebrow, intrigued. Sona... what exactly did you do? he wondered. Only she can explain this.

Just as his thoughts drifted to her, Sona appeared before him in a flash, materializing from thin air. Adam's body tensed at first, but he relaxed when he recognized her, taking in her tiny, shimmering form with a hint of awe.

Hovering at eye level, Sona bowed her head deeply, her voice soft and respectful. "Lord Adam, I have completed the task. The men fled without needing to be harmed."

Adam couldn't help but marvel at her. She's so powerful yet so… adorable, he thought, admiring the way she floated effortlessly in the air, her tiny wings beating delicately.

Unable to resist, he extended his hand towards her, his eyes warm. "Sona, would you like to sit on my hand?"

At his invitation, Sona's face lit up with a bashful smile.

Without hesitation, she flitted down to his outstretched hand, perching gently. Adam lifted her closer to his face, examining her tiny features with fascination.

Sona's cheeks flushed as his gaze lingered on her. She looked away shyly, her voice a soft murmur. "Lord Adam… please don't look at me like that. I… I'm getting embarrassed."

Smiling, Adam drew his hand back slightly, nodding in apology. "Forgive me, Sona. I just find you remarkable." He paused, regaining his composure. "Tell me, what exactly happened back there?"

Sona turned to face him fully, her expression earnest as she explained. "When I arrived, they were just about to enter the house. I couldn't allow them to disturb anyone, but causing chaos would have drawn too much attention. So instead, I showed them their worst nightmares, amplified by my abilities." She paused, a hint of pride in her voice. "The visions terrified them beyond anything they'd ever experienced."

Adam's eyes widened with intrigue. "Their worst nightmares?" he asked, leaning in slightly. "Do you know what they saw?"

Sona's expression grew proud as she placed a tiny hand on her chest. "Of course, my Lord. I created their nightmares, so I know every detail." Her voice dropped to a more ominous tone. "In the visions, they were surrounded by darkness, trapped among endless skeletons. The dead spoke to them, asking why they were killed and moaning with sorrow."

Adam could almost envision it: the skeletal hands reaching out, the voices of the dead echoing in despair. He shivered at the thought. No wonder they were so frightened, he mused. Even I would have been shaken to the core.

Lost in thought, he didn't notice Sona observing him intently. She leaned forward, calling him back to reality. "Lord Adam, where did your mind wander?"

Snapping out of his thoughts, he chuckled lightly. "Forgive me, Sona. I was just... impressed." Pausing, he decided to delve deeper. "Sona, I'd love to know more about your abilities. What… exactly are you capable of?"

Sona's eyes sparkled with excitement at the chance to explain. Her tiny nose lifted proudly. "If my Lord truly wishes to know, I shall tell you!" She raised her chin confidently. "I am your greatest creation, after all, so I possess many remarkable abilities!"

Adam laughed at her enthusiasm. "But you haven't told me what they are."

Sona beamed, beginning her demonstration. "I can fly," she said simply, and in a burst of speed, she lifted off his hand, gracefully circling around him, her wings creating a faint shimmer in the air.

She flew a few tight loops around Adam before settling back in front of him, her tiny frame brimming with pride.

Adam was delighted. Watching her float effortlessly, he couldn't help but feel proud. Telekinesis, huh? He nodded, intrigued.

Sona continued, lifting a small object—a pen—off his nearby desk. The pen floated toward Adam, revolving in slow circles around him. Sona smirked, enjoying his reaction.

"I've also mastered temperature control," she said. She extended her hand, and an orange glow enveloped her tiny fingers. Almost instantly, Adam felt a warm surge in the air around him.

He stepped back, astonished. She's incredible. I didn't realize just how powerful she was until now.

Sona sensed his amazement and let the warmth dissipate. "And I can teleport!" She vanished from sight and reappeared on his shoulder, only to teleport again to his other shoulder.

Adam chuckled, turning his head as she popped in and out of existence, thoroughly enjoying the display.

Finally, Sona hovered before him, her expression playful yet serious. "And, one of my best skills—I can read minds."

Adam froze, stunned. "Mind reading?" he asked, astonished.

Sona nodded, her voice a confident whisper. "Yes, Lord Adam. I can see thoughts and feelings… even those not spoken." She watched him, a hint of mischief in her eyes.