I Will Not Brew Your Potion
In the seventh year after we fled to the human world, my thirteen-year-old daughter, Thea, was hailed as an international alchemy master.
No matter how complex the formula, Thea could brew an extraordinary potion.
But there was one potion Thea refused to brew: a simple calming potion. She was afraid that if she ever brewed it, she might be tempted to forgive that man.
So, when the man named Kian Vaughn appeared at our doorstep with a legendary "Tear of the Stars," begging Thea to brew that very potion for him, she just calmly shook her head.
"That's not necessary, sir. I don't brew that potion."
Kian's eyes went red. He lunged for Thea's hand, trying to pull her toward the rare ingredients.
"Impossible! Aren't you an alchemy prodigy, Thea? You've always wanted a Tear of the Stars—and I've brought it for you! From now on, just tell me what you want, and I'll get it for you."
Thea coldly pulled her right hand away.
"That's not necessary, sir. I can earn what I need for my ingredients. You should save this for that little pup of yours."
Kian felt his heart plummet. He immediately pulled Thea into his arms.
"What are you talking about, Thea? You're my only child!"
But Thea just gave him a bewildered look.
"Didn't you say Miss Croft's daughter was the only one worthy of being your child? Didn't you give her the Wolf King's Fang Amulet you promised me?"
At this, Thea gave Kian a faint, chilling smile.
"That's fine, Mr. Vaughn. Since you favor Miss Croft, then you should be protecting her child. My mom is all I need."