Azriel stared at her in silent shock for several seconds before his expression hardened. A mask of cold detachment quickly covered his features, his gaze growing frigid as he addressed the being wearing his sister's face.
"...You must be the guardian of this forest."
The guardian wearing Jasmine's visage glanced at him briefly, then shifted its gaze away with a detached, almost bored expression. Slowly—each step deliberate and unhurried—it entered the cabin, then spoke arrogantly, its prideful voice so at odds with Jasmine's familiar features that Azriel's lip twitched in disgust. Yet, strangely, that arrogant tone reminded him of the Ice Princess.
"It seems your one remaining eye hasn't rendered you entirely blind, at least. Though, frankly, even a toddler could've figured that out."
The guardian's eyes regarded him with thinly veiled disdain as it passed him, taking a seat calmly at the table. Azriel cautiously narrowed his single eye, watching the being with wary distrust.
