"Ahem… Ahem…" Rinara lightly placed her small, delicate fist over her lips and let out a gentle, intentional cough.
"…?!" As she had hoped, Robin's attention snapped toward her instantly. His eyes flew wide open, as if something long-forgotten had suddenly resurfaced in his mind.
"...About that offer of protection you mentioned earlier."
"Still valid," Rinara replied with a soft laugh, her voice carrying the calm confidence of someone in control. She gestured gracefully toward herself.
"This soul shard might be weak in power, but my identity alone is enough. The moment I reveal who I am, the attacker—whoever they may be—will stop immediately. I won't allow anyone to bypass me and hurt those under my wing. My followers are my responsibility, and I do not take that lightly."
She then extended her hand toward him with quiet intensity.
"Now, the ball is in your court, Robin Burton. You know exactly what I want. Everything… or, from where I'm standing… absolutely nothing at all."
