Edward rose abruptly from his chair, concern flickering across his features. "Aira, what nonsense is this? Who put these dangerous ideas in your head? This isn't you."
"No one," she snapped harshly, her voice echoing with a bitter certainty born from countless lifetimes of sorrow and pain, "But it's time I stop playing by fate's rules. I have no choice, Father. This is the only way."
Edward stepped toward her hesitantly, worry and shock evident in his eyes after seeing his little daughter's shocking change in her behavior and attitude, "My dear daughter… please explain yourself. Why would a child like you even wish to—?"
"I'm not a child anymore, Father," Aira's voice was quiet but carried undeniable authority, aged far beyond her appearance. Her hazel eyes stared directly into her father's, burdened with unimaginable pain and resolve. "You must trust me. Hand over the Radems. This is the only path left to me and you will listen to me if you care about the survival of this world."
