Gaia's Champion Ch. 52 - Teaser (Patreon)

Felicitae knelt gracefully, her vine-like fingers brushing the air near Rosa’s bound legs without touching her. “If what you say is true,” she said softly, “then you have suffered greatly. But your kind... they are dangerous. How do we know you won’t bring their wrath down on us simply by being here?”

Rosa met her glowing green gaze, her own eyes filled with a quiet, desperate resolve. “I’ve been running for nearly a decade. I know how to cover my tracks, and I know what it means to keep moving. I’m not asking you to trust me. I’m asking you to give me a chance to prove that I’m not your enemy.”

Felicitae turned toward the others, her movements fluid and deliberate. Her glowing green eyes lingered on Rosa for a moment longer before she whispered to the group, her voice as soft as leaves brushing in the wind. “I sense no deception from her,” she said. “Her words carry truth, however burdened they may be.”

Lissandra, arms crossed, tilted her head slightly as she studied Rosa, her sharp gaze narrowing. “Yeah,” she muttered, almost to herself. “I’m getting the same read. I’m good at spotting lies—comes with the territory when you’re in security. Either she’s a world-class actress, or she’s genuinely laying it all out there.”

The other two Nymphs exchanged glances, their expressions thoughtful but guarded. The grove remained heavy with tension, the air alive with anticipation as they considered their next move.

Then Lissandra straightened, an idea flickering in her sharp eyes. “Wait,” she said, her voice cutting through the quiet. “What if we make sure she’s telling the truth? I can use my True Soul power to compel her to be honest.”

Felicitae’s brows lifted in surprise, but then her lips curved into a faint smile. “That’s a fantastic idea,” she said, her tone approving. “Drawing out her authentic self would remove all doubt. And for something as straightforward as compelling honesty, even a newly awakened True Soul could manage it.”

Lissandra frowned slightly, the mention of her being a novice clearly rubbing her the wrong way, but she didn’t argue. She rolled her shoulders, a mix of determination and unease flickering in her expression. “I’m still figuring out this whole magic thing,” she admitted, “but if it’s as simple as you say, I can handle it.”

Felicitae inclined her head, the ivy and flowers in her hair shifting gracefully. “As a True Soul, it is as simple as believing you have the ability to make her speak honestly,” she explained. “It works by focusing your will into that which you want to happen while you speak with her. Rosa’s authenticity will come out naturally—it won’t force her, but it will encourage her to reveal her truest self.”

Vahlen nodded in agreement. “It’s subtle but effective. And if Rosa truly has no ulterior motives, as she claims, then this will prove it.”

“Alright,” she said, her voice firm. “So, focus and belief, right? Let’s see if this works.” She stepped closer to Rosa, who looked back at her with a mixture of curiosity and unease.

Lissandra stepped toward Rosa with a quiet confidence, her movements purposeful but unhurried. She gave a quick glance to Felicitae, who offered an encouraging nod. The ivy-haired Nymph had walked her through this technique earlier, explaining how True Soul magic wasn’t about grand displays or dramatic gestures. It was subtle, unseen—a natural extension of the soul’s power. Lissandra had listened, skeptical but determined to try. Now it was time to see if she’d actually learned anything.

Drawing a steady breath, Lissandra closed her eyes briefly and focused inward, imagining the wellspring of energy Felicitae had described. It wasn’t about forcing her will; it was about aligning her intent with the truth she sought. No sparks flew, no glowing aura emerged. Instead, the power seeped out gently, a quiet pressure filling the air like a shift in gravity. When she opened her eyes, they locked onto Rosa’s with unwavering intensity.

“Alright,” Lissandra said, her voice calm but carrying a weight that Rosa couldn’t ignore. “I’m going to ask you some questions, and I want you to answer honestly. No holding back. Can you do that for me?”