Emma’s head throbbed, her thoughts spinning in chaotic circles as the weight of Maverick’s revelation settled over her. The words lingered in her mind like a distant echo. A god sealed within the dungeon—a deity of Fate, no less. But how was she supposed to help Erilania? There were no instructions, no clear path forward. Only silence.

Does she expect me to figure it all out on my own? Emma thought with a quiet sigh, her frustration simmering beneath her composed exterior.

“Next question,” Maverick said abruptly, his voice cutting through her thoughts like a blade.

Emma glanced at him and allowed a small, faintly amused smile to curve her lips. “Have you awakened yet?” she asked casually, though her tone carried a probing edge.

Maverick stilled, his eyes narrowing slightly as if gauging the intent behind her question. After a brief pause, he shook his head. “No. Not yet,” he admitted.

The answer surprised her. Not yet? she thought, her brows knitting together. If he hadn’t awakened yet, how was he supposed to defend himself, let alone survive in a place like this?

As if reading her thoughts, Maverick’s expression hardened. “I don’t need to be awakened to fight,” he said, his tone proud, though his face remained unreadable. “I have other tricks up my sleeve.”

Emma tilted her head slightly, curiosity gleaming in her eyes. “May I ask what those are?”

“You don’t need to ask,” he replied tersely. “I’ve already said too much.”

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Too much? Emma thought with a hint of exasperation. You’ve barely said anything at all.

Her smile widened slightly, taking on a mischievous edge. “I’d love to know,” she said smoothly, “if only so you can learn how I figured out your name.”

That got his attention. His sharp gaze locked onto hers, his expression shifting to one of faint irritation. “I use alchemy and science,” he said finally, his tone clipped. “That’s how I fight—since I haven’t awakened yet.”

“Alchemy and science?” Emma’s interest piqued. “Could you teach me how?”

Maverick’s response was immediate. “I’ve answered all your questions,” he said, standing and brushing the dust from his clothes as though dismissing the conversation entirely. “I’m done here.”

Emma watched him with a quiet intensity as he turned to leave. But she wasn’t done with him yet. “Don’t you want to know how I got your name?” she asked, her voice calm yet carrying an unmistakable undertone of challenge.

He stopped mid-step, his shoulders tensing as he turned back to face her. His expression, usually unreadable, now carried a flicker of irritation. “Do you think I care about that now?” he said, his tone low and menacing.

He moved closer, each step deliberate, as if attempting to intimidate her. “Don’t think I won’t kill you just because you heard my name somewhere,” he continued, his voice a quiet, simmering threat. “If you try to blackmail me again, I’ll end you.”

Emma chuckled softly, the sound light and almost dismissive. Rising to her feet, she met his gaze head-on, her expression calm but firm. “You won’t,” she said simply, then tilted her head as if reconsidering her words. “Oh, wait—that’s not right. You can’t. Even if you try, you’ll just be wasting your time.”

Maverick’s jaw tightened, but he said nothing.

Emma leaned in slightly, her voice dropping to a quiet, almost teasing whisper. “Let’s get going,” she said, brushing past him intentionally, her shoulder grazing his as she walked by.

She paused briefly, glancing back at him with a small, enigmatic smile. “Don’t keep me waiting,” she added, her tone gentle yet carrying an unmistakable air of authority.

As she continued walking, her voice echoed softly in the cavern’s stillness.

“Because Fate isn’t always on one’s side.”