The light shot across the room, striking Asha square in the chest, leaving everyone momentarily stunned.
She let out a startled yelp and stumbled back, instinctively gripping the edge of Lira's sleeve.
All three elders froze where they stood.
Slowly—almost cautiously—the thin elder lifted the mirror again and angled it toward her. The surface stirred like disturbed water, and golden radiance unfurled from it in rippling currents far too bright for a dim, lantern-lit home.
The elders exchanged looks of shock.
"...Impossible… a secondary reaction at that intensity?"
"No—this is a primary Ka resonance."
Asha blinked at them with wide, frightened eyes. "Um… is that a bad thing?"
Before anyone could respond, the mirror pulsed with increased intensity, its periphery now encircled by a delicate, trembling ring of light resembling a wheel.
The sunken-eyed elder drew in a sharp breath. "The omen… it wasn't for the newborn."
His gaze locked onto Asha with excitement.
"It was for her."
Lira's face drained of color. "What? No. No—Asha has nothing to do with any omen."
The braided elder stepped forward. "Child, come here."
Asha took a half-step back without thinking and pressed herself against Lira's leg. "M-Mom?"
"A resonance this strong at her age…"
She clutched Lira's dress with both hands. "I don't… I don't want this."
Lira stepped in front of her at once, shielding her from all three elders. "Then she won't go."
The sunken-eyed elder straightened enough to regain his authority, though his tone cooled by several degrees. "Lira… this is no longer a matter of preference."
Marek's expression turned strained. "Elder… she's only a child."
"All children are," the braided woman replied coldly, "until fate decides otherwise."
Adam didn't understand most of what was happening, but one realization formed with startling clarity.
Asha was in danger.
And somehow, in a way he could not yet explain, the danger was connected to him.
The thin elder flicked two fingers toward the doorway, and a faint translucent sheen shimmered into place, sealing it with an invisible barrier.
Lira stiffened immediately. "You intend to silence us—?!"
The thin elder exhaled through his nose, though his mouth twitched in annoyance. "The Temple does not engage in such practices. And we are not here to coerce you."
Lira stared at him coldly. "Then why seal the door?"
"We sealed it because what we offer is something you should hear out completely."
Marek looked between the three elders. "Then speak plainly, please."
They exchanged glances, then the braided woman stepped forward.
"We wish to nominate the girl for potential entry into the main branch," she said calmly. "She would represent Pearlroot Temple. A talent like hers is rare—far rarer than you realize. With proper cultivation, she could rise to the inner ranks."
Lira shook her head, almost desperately. "She's just a seven-year-old girl who helps me wash clothes and spends too long trying to braid her hair. She isn't—"
"We understand your fear," the thin elder said gently, "but hear our terms."
Asha tightened her grip on Lira's dress again.
The sunken-eyed elder folded his hands behind his back. "First: both of you would be offered work within the Temple grounds. You would live under Pearlroot's protection."
Marek's eyes widened. "Inside the Temple… as residents?"
"With a monthly salary," the braided woman added. "Enough to ensure comfort. No more fishing during storms or worrying through winter."
For the first time, Lira faltered.
The thin elder continued, "Second: should Asha display even modest talent, the Temple will sponsor your relocation to Azure Reef City. Your children will receive formal education, and your future will be secured."
Lira took a deep breath. "And if… she chooses not to join you?"
A quiet pause fell over the room.
"She will not be forced. However… leaving a resonance of this magnitude untrained carries its own risks. For her safety, guidance may be necessary."
Lira's gaze dropped to the girl pressed against her. Asha's tiny fists were clenched tightly, her confusion and dread written plainly across her trembling frame.
"Mom…" Asha said in a low voice. "I don't know. I'm scared."
Lira knelt and cupped her cheek. "I know, little pearl. But we have to choose what keeps you safest."
In Lira's arms, Adam kept his silence. With so little understanding of this world, he couldn't tell whether this was salvation or a calamity waiting to unfold.
Marek finally drew a long breath, steadying himself. "Elders… this offer. Is it genuine? Truly? No punishments if she fails?"
"None," the thin elder said. "And no need to speak of failure at all."
He folded his hands behind his back. "You have two days. At dawn on the third, we will return to escort her to Azure Reef City—if you consent."
Asha's eyes widened. "I have to go… that soon?"
"Discuss it as a family," the thin elder nodded. "We will not pressure you further."
They turned toward the exit and left quietly.
Marek closed the door behind them and let out a long breath, resting his forehead against the wood. He didn't speak—just stood there, lost in thought.
Asha, still holding on to Lira's sleeve, suddenly swayed and slumped forward, drifting into sleep on her own. Poor girl—everything that had happened was simply too much for her.
"She's worn out," Lira murmured.
She set Adam down carefully, lifted Asha into her arms, and laid her gently in bed. Once the girl's breaths settled into deep sleep, Lira stepped out quietly.
Marek was waiting just outside the doorway.
"We always knew something like this could happen one day," he said quietly.
Lira gave a faint, bitter smile. "Maybe… but not this early. And definitely not from our little village temple. I didn't even know they had something like that mirror."
Marek nodded. "Still… there are worse fates. The Pearlroot Temple belongs to the Jade Stream. She has a future far greater than anything we could currently provide."
Adam listened from his blanket, utterly confused.
Wait—were they acting earlier?
Those two fooled even me?!