“I listened quietly, just as you asked of me.” Elie says simply. “I can’t say I liked what I heard.”
“I know,” Lowell replies. “You did well. You’ve gotten more mature over the years. I’m proud.”
Elie folds their arms. “That child…Shino. The one he described with such certainty.” A pause. “Is it possible? Truly? Can it actually be true that the girl is their child that they created?”
Lowell turns his gaze toward the crimson light dancing along the table’s edge. “Yes.”
“Could he have mistaken her identity? You’re certain there can be no mistake about this?”
“Yes,” he answers again, calm and absolute. “That child is the spawn of Nadia and Keiko.”
Elie’s lips tighten. Their voice is low but tense. “But how? Nadia’s body is female, even if she can simulate ‘that’ kind of appendage. Keiko’s body is undoubtedly female. You and I both know divine laws and bloodlines don’t allow for miracles like this, not without intervention.”
