H.I.S. 72

Scarlet point of view

"There's still a strange energy lingering around you," Jenna said, her gaze narrowing as if she were analyzing something I couldn't see. 

I blinked, confused. "Strange energy? What are you talking about?" 

Jenna crossed her arms, leaning slightly closer. "It's faint, but it's there. Did you meet anyone unusual recently? Someone who might've left a mark on you—magical or otherwise?" 

My mind immediately went to that woman. The mysterious Shadow binder/ shadow caster. But I hesitated. Could Jenna really sense that encounter, or was it something else entirely? 

"Scarlet," Jenna said firmly, snapping me out of my thoughts. "You're hiding something. Spill it." 

I sighed, deciding there was no point in avoiding the question. "Fine. There was someone—a woman. She confronted me in the forest after Sera told me about her. We... exchanged words. And a few spells." 

Jenna's eyes widened. "A few spells? You fought her?"