The three siblings hunted for a while longer before their eldest brother, Hibbert, said he was tired. He left Audrey and Alfred, who were still enjoying themselves, to chase the rabbits and went back to have tea with their parents.
Before leaving, Hibbert gave Alfred a look.
As someone well versed in the subtleties of high society, Hibbert kept the signal discreet. But to Audrey, who followed the Spectator Pathway, her brother's gesture stood out like an inkblot on white paper.
He deliberately left me alone with Alfred...
Audrey analyzed the situation as she tightened the reins slightly and brought her horse to a stop.
"Ha, ha..."
Even Susie, the golden retriever, sensed something. She sat down nearby with an innocent look, ready to be an audience.
"Audrey, Father told me you've become a Beyonder."
Alfred lowered his hunting rifle and turned to his sister.
"Mm... That's right."
"And you've joined a Beyonder Gathering?"
"Uh, yes, but it's more of an academic—" "No, Audrey."
Alfred cut her off gravely. "I understand your fascination with mysticism... but this world is far more dangerous than you imagine."
He did not ask which Beyonder Pathway his sister followed. As far as he knew, she had only become a Beyonder a few months ago, so her Sequence was probably still low. Instead, he focused his lecture on the risk of losing control and the mental corruption caused by hidden existences.
"Audrey, did you know Potions don't just grant Beyonder Abilities? They can also drive those who take them mad, making you cold and cruel until you're no longer yourself..."
Audrey felt terribly awkward in the face of her brother's patient, earnest warning.
Alfred, not only do I know all that, my Sequence is actually higher than yours... she thought.
With the Hallucinatory Wind Chime