Xianghui breathes heavily.

“N-no.?” Xianghui says nervously.

“You ain’t from ‘round here, are you,” Valerie said. “Do you even know who I am?”

Valerie walks over to Xianghui.

“Who even… are you..?” Xianghui shakily says in a soft voice.

“Who I am? I am Valerie, Crown Princess, Protector of Afar.” Valerie says as she places her blade in front of Xianghui’s face, igniting the blade with scarlet flames.

Xianghui blows at it to try to extinguish it.

“What do you think this is, a birthday candle? How foolish,” Valerie says, moving the blade closer to Xiang’s skin.

“Who are you and who are you associated with?” Valerie’s voice is as strong as a blade, forcing Xiang to listen up.

“I- I am Xianghui Lu. I’m here to-”

“I didn’t ask what you’re doing, I’m asking who you’re with,” Valerie interjects sharply.

“Sir Granite! That’s who!” Xiang says in a burst of nervousness.

“Thanks… Boy,” Valerie says apathetically toward Xiang.

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Xianghui sees the flame change color from a deep scarlet to a lush emerald green.

“Now breathe in,” Valerie commands.

Xianghui companies and Immediately falls to the ground.

“Stupid kid.”

***

Gray hears rustling from behind him.

“You’re Granite… Right?”

Gray looks behind him, to see Valerie dragging the limp body of Xianghui by her side.

“What you doing with Xiang!?” Gray says, changing his stance into a more defensive position.

“Obviously, I’m bringing him to you. He told me you were associated with him.”

“So why you here?!” Gray says angrily.

Valerie laughs. “That curse isn’t treating you too well, is it?” Valerie says mockingly.

“Shush…” Gray says.

“Anyway, Granite… You’ve still got some spark in ya,” Valerie says. “Even after 18 years since you’ve been cursed.”

“So why you here?” Gray demands, running out of patience.

Valerie smirks and begins to walk over, letting go of Xiang’s limp body. “Now why would I tell you? It’d ruin the surprise!”

Gray angrily frowns at the statement, putting his hands up in response to Valerie’s approach.

“You know you’re a fugitive here in Afar, right? And to think of bringing one of your “students” here is hilarious, Granite,” Valerie says.

Valerie unsheaths her blade handle and immediately ignites the blade into a bright yellow flame.

“Don’t worry, I’ll eliminate you, Gray. But not until I’ve had my fun punishing a fugitive.”