The tension in the parlor finally began to soften. The suffocating pressure that had choked the air thin was slowly fading, replaced by a breathable, quiet warmth. Odesse sat huddled under the heavy blanket, her fingers curled tightly around the hot cup of ginger tea as she stayed close to little Azure, offering whatever silent comfort she could.
Breaking the long silence, Odesse looked down, her tone laced with confusion. "Why is she still wearing the leg anklet if she hates the memory of Koa?"
Little Azure sighed heavily, her shoulders slumping. "I... I was able to manipulate her brain."
"What do you mean?" Odesse asked softly.
Little Azure looked up at Odesse briefly, then cast her gaze back to the floorboards. "Azure is extremely materialistic. You know that."
Odesse nodded slowly. "Yes, she really is."
