Ria glared at her aunt. "If you called me just to annoy me, then I'm going back."
"Relax, I'm just poking fun at you." Arastia grew bemused at her niece's indignance. "But it is also true that your power makes identity more plausible. Remember, you are too strong. You possess too much power and talent. It's a good thing, but it also means you need to be careful."
Ria's expression grew irritated. "I can't afford to hold back. Sage Varis would have died if I had."
"You did not have to intervene to protect him," Arastia remarked with a candid tone. "If it were someone like Runark, that would be one thing. But do not risk yourself for a stranger."
"That's cold," Ria frowned at her aunt.
"It's self-preservation," Arastia replied. "Your identity puts you at risk. And your power puts your identity at risk of being leaked. And if it gets leaked, then the consequences can be dire. The daughter of the Emperor of Water will not be ignored."
