Betrayal?

Alice had never imagined someone could sit in one place for ten days straight.

This was probably the longest she had ever been in a meditative state since becoming a Soulmancer. She chose to believe William's words without hesitation. 

On reflection, she realized she had entered a deep meditative state, feeling refreshed as if reborn.

Was this what transformation felt like?

It was an exhilarating feeling that made her forget time and hunger, even more satisfying than the first time she had recited the entire "Canon of Medicine".

Just as Alice was coming back to her senses, she saw Sofia walking out of the kitchen, holding a plate of freshly washed cherries.

No, it must be Seraphina!

Although Sofia and Seraphina shared the same body, their tones and expressions were distinct, and Alice could easily tell them apart. She felt indifferent towards Sofia, a shy girl who spoke softly and was hard to dislike.

But Seraphina was different.