Rayelle's head buzzed, her thoughts snapping blank.

"Rayelle, you're of the Dragon Kind, aren't you?"

Chriss's soft whisper echoed in her mind, lingering without fading.

A strange tingling shot from Rayelle's spine to her scalp, leaving her momentarily weak.

How did Chriss know!?

Rayelle stiffly turned to look at Chriss beside her.

Chriss's expression stayed gentle and innocent—no trace of joking, only sincerity and curiosity.

Rayelle felt a flicker of panic.

She hadn't expected Chriss to ask this.

Where had she slipped up? Her Dragon Kind traits were still suppressed.

Had it been in the alley earlier?

But she'd shown no dragon traits then—just a hint of dragon power.

If Chriss knew, Chloe probably knew too.

And if Chloe knew, Aerin must know as well.

Rayelle felt a chill down her spine.

"Eh... Rayelle, are you okay? I-I'm sorry... did I say something wrong?"

Chriss's sweet voice drifted over, thick with guilt.

From the corner of her eye, Rayelle saw Chriss startled by her reaction, leaning in with worried eyes full of concern.

"N-nothing..."

Rayelle took a deep breath to calm herself.

Chriss seemed like a pure-hearted kid—maybe she could still fix this.

But Rayelle's small hands trembled uncontrollably.

She feared Aerin discovering her Dragon Kind identity. Aerin wielded the Holy Sword and had slain many dragons. Rayelle couldn't risk exposure.

"Rayelle..."

"Chriss."

Rayelle met her gaze seriously.

"You... why do you think I'm Dragon Kind?"

Though Rayelle fought to hide her tension, her shaking hands and fine sweat betrayed her.

"Well..."

Chriss tapped her lips, lost in memory.

"When I was little, I lived with a Dragon Kind for a long time. Back in the alley, when you fought to protect me, your aura matched hers exactly."

She smiled gently, showing no malice.

"I see..."

Rayelle's thoughts churned.

She could confirm Chriss knew her secret.

What now...

In the silence, Chriss's soft voice returned.

"Rayelle... only I know this. I haven't told anyone—not even my sister."

Chriss whispered, half-closing her eyes. She gently hugged Rayelle, patting her back. Warmth filled her eyes.

"Really...?"

Rayelle froze, then turned to Chriss's face.

No deceit there—only raw sincerity.

Rayelle's nose stung.

She'd braced for exposure—or blackmail like that scheming sword spirit Lulu.

But Chriss was purer than she'd imagined.

"Rayelle... are you afraid of others knowing?"

Chriss held her close, whispering so softly only Rayelle heard.

"Mhm..."

Rayelle swung her pale little feet, replying quietly.

"I won't tell anyone. Not past, not now, not ever."

Chriss patted her chest firmly, eyes earnest.

Seeing that seriousness, Rayelle's anxiety eased.

"Thank you..."

Chriss noticed the lingering fear and sweat on Rayelle's cheeks. She pulled out a handkerchief, wiping it away gently.

"Even though... I don't know why you, as Dragon Kind, live as human... everyone has secrets, right?"

Chriss chuckled softly.

"I'll guard yours. And if you're sad, share it with me."

Hearing those warm words, Rayelle felt touched.

Compared to that devious sword spirit, Chriss was an angel!

She'd kept the secret, comforted Rayelle—and despite her own illness, prepared a gift to repay her.

"Mhm, thank you, Chriss."

Rayelle hugged her tightly, nuzzling her soft cheek. Chriss let out a soft whimper.

"Actually, I brought you a gift too."

Rayelle winked mysteriously, smiling at Chriss's wide-eyed surprise.

Chriss's expressions were always pure—untouched by the world, easier to read than Rayelle's own.

She clearly hadn't expected a gift.

"Eh... what is it?"

"Guess?"

Rayelle hid the cloth bag behind her back.

"Mmm..."

Chriss tapped her lips, tilted her head, then shook it.

"I don't know..."

"Hmm."

Rayelle smiled at Chriss's eager-but-shy face. She pulled out a fluffy plush toy.

"Ta-da—a white fluff ball!"

Chriss's eyes lit up at the pure white toy.

"It matches yours!"

"Right?"

Rayelle placed it gently in Chriss's arms.

"Mmm... so soft. Like you..."

"Mhm, glad you like it."

Seeing Chriss's joy, Rayelle felt deeply satisfied.

Chriss nuzzled the toy, then snuggled close to Rayelle. She kissed her cheek lightly.

"Thank you, Rayelle—"

"Eh!?"

Rayelle froze, stunned by the kiss.

Instantly, Chriss's face flushed deeper than Rayelle's. She hugged the toy to hide most of her face, leaving only her crimson forehead and shy, gentle eyes visible.

That pure, sincere cuteness made Rayelle's heart skip a beat.

This child was truly adorable.

A quiet determination flickered in Rayelle's smiling eyes.

No matter what, she'd protect Chriss—and her sister Chloe.

Not just for her Extraordinary Power, but because Rayelle had already grown fond of her.