The Eclipse Moons Grimoire: Lilith's Soft Whispers

CI: SI: FVIII: Mana-linked Retention

Both Sera and Vina were taken aback by Emma's outburst, a flicker of guilt crossing their faces.

"Both of you," Emma continued, voice firm. "You should know that you can't always be by Tia's side to protect her. What if, someday, she might have to leave Ravencrest. How will she survive without any skills?"

"That..." Sera hesitated, wanting to say, she will not allow Tia to leave Ravenscrest.

"Moreover, you're both too busy with your own work. You with your research, and Vina with her training. Do you have any idea how boring it must be for Tia, all on her own in this large castle?"

"Argh," Sera and Vina flinched. They did.

"Come on, Sera," Alaric added, his tone softer but no less firm. "We all know how much you both dote on Tia, but this isn't fair to her. Look at her. Tia, who is usually so patient, is also frustrated."

Emma sighed. "She has feelings, too, you know. She's trying to help you, even if you don't want to burden her."

Silence.

"If you won't let her share your burdens, then at least let her pursue what she wants," Emma urged.

"But... you know it could be dangerous," Vina murmured, uncertain.

"Which job isn't?" Alaric countered.

Emma folded her arms. "Sera, why are you acting like this? Where is our intelligent Sera? You know that what you're doing isn't right."

Sera bit her thumb in frustration. "We know, but..."

Sera thought, 'We know, but... when it comes to Tia, my mind just goes blank. Ever since that night when I realized that Tia is our Polaris, I can't help but be anxious. Paranoid. It feels like if I take my eyes off her, someone will take her away.

'I just... I don't want her to get hurt or feel sad. I can't even bear the thought of losing her. But at the same time, I want to hurt her. I want to make her cry. My lust for her keeps increasing. But I am also getting used to it.

'Considering the ritual, their age and their mental maturity, I still don't want to cross the line.

'That's why I stopped all those perverse games and threw myself into research to find a solution, to fix our problems, and to keep those thoughts from creeping into my mind.

'Every night, I exhaust myself to the point where I fall asleep the moment my head hits the pillow... even if Tia is right beside me.

'I can't bear to lose her. But... I can't keep her near me either. Or I will go crazy with the thoughts of ravishing her.'

Emma exhaled sharply. "Look at Vina. Because of your bad influence, she's acting just like you."

Sera turned and caught sight of Vina, her fists clenched unknowingly, feeling a mix of guilt and unrecognized emotions.

Cornered and unable to refute their words, Sera finally let out a reluctant sigh.

"Argh." A low groan escaped her lips. "Fine. Tia, explain how you're able to read the Arcane language. If I think your method can help me solve the issue, I'll... consider your request."

"Consider?" Tia's brows furrowed. "What do you mean 'consider,' Mother—"

"That's all," Sera cut in, folding her arms, sulking. "I will consider it. No more, no less. Are you going to tell me or not?"

Emma and Alaric exchanged glances before shaking their heads with wry smiles.

Tia sighed, seeing that Sera was finally willing to listen, even if reluctantly. He also knew how desperate she had been lately.