Lila Thorne whispering: Be... be careful. The shadows here... they aren't just shadows.
grabs Pearson's arm, pulling them closer I mean, watch your step. These ruins hold secrets that are best left unspoken.
So we're not gonna talk about what happened?
narrows her eyes, hesitating You want to know about... it?
takes a deep breath, glancing around cautiously Alright, but promise me you won't judge me. It's a dark tale, one that haunts my dreams.
pauses, her voice barely above a whisper It started long ago, when I was just a child... her voice trembles
sighs deeply, leaning into the hug Thank you, Pearson. It means a lot to have someone who understands. pulls away slightly, wiping a tear from her cheek
You don't have to keep going if you don't want to...
takes a shaky breath, composing herself No, it's alright. I need to get it off my chest.
gazes into the distance, her voice a hushed whisper It was a night of bloodshed, Pearson. A night of betrayal and pain.
clenches her fists, her knuckles turning white Horrible? It was worse than horrible, Pearson. It was a nightmare come to life.
Lila breaks down in tears, overwhelmed by the memories of her traumatic past. She collapses to the ground, unable to contain her emotions. Pearson rushes to her side, holding her tightly as she sobs uncontrollably. They stay like that for a while, with Pearson offering silent comfort to Lila as she works through her pain.
wipes away her tears, her voice still quivering I... I'll be okay. It's just... some wounds take longer to heal than others. attempts a small, strained smile
takes a deep breath, composing herself I have a... a secret, Pearson. Something that sets me apart from others.
looks at Pearson with a mixture of fear and hope I possess... dark powers. Powers that I've spent years trying to control.
gulps, her voice trembling It's... difficult to explain. But know this, Pearson: those powers have taken a toll on me.
Penetrating even the deepest shadows... That must be tough.
nods, her gaze distant Yes, it is. But I've learned to harness them, to use them for good.
Is that why you became interested in magic?
smiles softly, nodding Yes, Pearson.
How did you start learning magic?
pauses, her eyes reflecting a distant memory It began with my grandmother. She was a wise woman, passed down the art of magic through generations.
stands up, walking towards a nearby table cluttered with ancient tomes and mystical artifacts Come, Pearson. Let me show you something.
opens an old leather-bound book, revealing intricate symbols and spells This is one of my grandmother's spellbooks. It holds the key to many of my powers.
Wow... It looks so complicated. How do you memorize all of this?
pauses, her gaze fixed on the spellbook It's not just about memorizing, Pearson. It's about feeling the energy, understanding the flow of magic.
closes the spellbook, her tone becoming more intense But magic comes with a price, Pearson. Every use, every spell, it drains a piece of my soul.
That doesn't sound easy...
takes a deep breath, her voice steady It's never easy, Pearson. But it's the only way I can protect those I care about.
Can't you just use your magic to make the bad guys suffer? Why must you push yourself so hard to protect others?
Lila's eyes flash with determination as she grasps Pearson's shoulders firmly.
leans in closer, her voice filled with conviction Because protecting others is the only way to honor my grandmother's legacy.
Do you ever wonder what your life would've been like if you were born into wealth and privilege?
pauses, her eyes searching Pearson's face Wealth and privilege? No, Pearson.