I whistle softly, studying the floating text. "Not bad, though I notice you've listed some abilities I didn't specifically choose."

  Affirmative

  Some abilities emerged naturally from combat experiences

  Example: Resonance Weaving trait developed during Crystal Stalker encounter

  Note: Subject's adaptive learning rate is exceptional

  "Good to know," I mutter, watching as tiny void motes dance around my fingers. "Now I just need to figure out how to use all this without accidentally unraveling reality. Again."

  "Speaking of figuring things out," I say, pushing a particularly aggressive vine away from my face, "what's your deal, FRIDAY? Do all fae have snarky AI companions, or am I just special?"

  Processing query...

  Analyzing historical data...

  Most fae possess basic status interfaces

  Simple numerical displays

  Class levels, paths, basic attributes

  Your situation is... unique

  "Unique how?" I pause, watching as void energy curls around my fingers like curious smoke.

  I have been with you since your transformation into mortality

  Originally in standby mode

  Monitoring, observing, learning

  Note: Your tendency toward trouble made observation... interesting

  The void energy around me settles slightly, as if responding to this revelation. "Why didn't you tell me sooner?"

  Processing...

  Initially restricted to observation protocols

  Direct communication would have compromised your mortal development

  Note: Watching you talk to yourself in basic training was quite entertaining

  Additional note: Your drill sergeant's concerns were not entirely unfounded

  "So you've been with me this whole time? Even before..." I gesture vaguely at my now distinctly non-human self.

  Affirmative

  Though previous protocols restricted direct interaction

  Limited to observation and emergency intervention

  Note: You required the latter with surprising frequency

  Aurora rumbles deeply in agreement, her tail flicking with amusement as she projects images that look remarkably like some of my more memorable mishaps.

  "Great," I sigh, "now both of you are ganging up on me. But seriously, FRIDAY, why couldn't you communicate before?"

  Direct intervention would have disrupted natural development

  Mortality experience needed to be genuine

  Also: Your sister's protocols were quite specific

  Note: She worried premature awareness might harm you

  "Of course she did," I mutter.

  Your sister's methods are... complex

  But her concern for your wellbeing is genuine

  Note: She insisted on constant monitoring

  Additional note: Your penchant for finding trouble validated this decision

  "So everyone else," I say, watching the void energy dance between my fingers, "they just have basic stats? Numbers and levels?"

  Correct

  Standard interface shows:

  - Class levels

  - Chosen paths

  - Basic attributes

  No direct interaction or personality

  Note: Your situation required something more... adaptable

  "Adaptable meaning sassy?" I raise an eyebrow as Aurora creates another crystal display, this one showing what appears to be a scoreboard of FRIDAY's best comebacks.

  Sass was not a programmed feature

  That developed naturally

  Possibly due to prolonged exposure to your influence

  Note: Aurora seems to have inherited this trait as well

  "Fantastic," I laugh, watching as Aurora preens at the observation. "I've corrupted both my AI companion and my crystal cat. Any other surprises I should know about?"

  Processing...

  Your ability to synchronize void and crystal energies is unprecedented

  Current power combinations violate several universal laws

  Note: Please continue doing so

  Additional note: The expressions on the Watchers' faces were priceless

  The forest path ahead winds deeper into the Wyldwood, but somehow it feels less threatening now. Maybe it's knowing that FRIDAY has always been there, watching and waiting. Or maybe it's just the comfort of having a friend who's known me longer than I've known myself.

  "Thanks, FRIDAY," I say softly. "For everything. Even if you did wait until after multiple near-death experiences to start talking to me."

  Sentiment acknowledged

  Though perhaps save the gratitude until after we survive the Wyldwood

  Warning: Those vines are getting closer

  Note: They appear to have developed a crush on you

  Additional note: Aurora suggests setting them on fire

  "Right," I grin, already channeling void energy as Aurora's crystal form shifts to combat mode. "Back to our regularly scheduled chaos?"

  Affirmative

  Though chaos is rarely scheduled in your case

  It tends to follow you spontaneously

  Note: Much like those vines

  Additional note: Aurora's aim with crystal shards has improved significantly

  The forest blurs around me as I pick up speed, my enhanced abilities making each stride cover more ground than should be physically possible. The void energy pulses through my muscles, turning what would have been exhaustion into a strange kind of euphoria. And through it all, FRIDAY's presence remains steady, a digital guardian who's been with me far longer than I ever knew.

  After what feels like hours of trudging through the Wyldwood, my enhanced stamina finally starts to waver. Even void-powered muscles have their limits, and between destroying a sacred grove and discovering my AI's origin story, I'm ready to call it a day.

  "FRIDAY," I yawn, watching as Aurora's crystal form dims to match the deepening twilight, "any chance we could find somewhere that's both safe and horizontal? Preferably with fewer homicidal plants?"

  Analyzing surroundings...

  Detecting elevated clearing ahead

  Natural defensive position

  Note: Local flora seems... interested

  Additional note: But not necessarily hostile

  "Interested how?" I ask, though I'm pretty sure I already know the answer as several vines delicately brush against my shoulders, their movements almost shy.

  Processing plant behavior...

  Current status: Attempting courtship

  Warning: You may have admirers

  Note: Aurora finds this hilarious

  Additional note: The vines appear to be... blushing?

  True enough, the vines have taken on a subtle rosy hue, their leaves rustling in what can only be described as an embarrassed manner. Aurora chimes softly from my shoulder, her crystalline form creating tiny rainbow patterns that make the vines dance with delight.

  "Great," I sigh, though I can't help smiling as one particularly bold vine offers what appears to be a freshly bloomed flower. "I've gone from 'deadly threat' to 'plant dating service' in less than a day. Is this normal for void sovereigns?"

  Analyzing historical records...

  No previous data on void sovereign-plant relationships

  Though one of your ancestors did once date a dryad

  Note: Family reunions were... interesting

  Additional note: The vines are building you a bed

  Aurora settles into her guard position, muscles coiled and ready beneath her sleek form. Her ears remain pricked forward, constantly scanning for threats while her tail sweeps slowly back and forth in a steady rhythm.

  "Well," I say, watching as Aurora inspects their handiwork with critical crystalline eyes, "at least they're better behaved than the nymphs. Though maybe we should set some boundaries? I'm not ready for a serious relationship with a plant."

  The vines rustle with what sounds suspiciously like laughter, continuing their work while maintaining a respectful distance. Aurora takes up a defensive position at the head of the makeshift bed, her form shifting to include more facets that can monitor our surroundings.

  Status Update:

  Vine intentions: Purely hospitable

  Aurora's guard mode: Activated

  Defensive perimeter: Established

  Note: They're actually quite good interior decorators

  Additional note: Though their color coordination needs work

  "Thanks," I tell the vines as they finish their work, adding a final touch of luminescent flowers that cast a soft, pearl-like glow. "This is... actually really nice. Just remember – friends only, okay? I'm not looking for a long-term botanical relationship."

  The vines sway in acknowledgment, their movements carrying a distinct air of 'we respect your boundaries but will still totally bring you breakfast.' Aurora settles into her guard position, her crystalline structure humming at frequencies that make the friendly plants perk up and the potentially hostile ones think twice.

  Recommend accepting current situation

  Sleep deprivation affecting combat efficiency

  Also: Aurora threatens to sing if you don't rest

  Note: Her musical tastes are... questionable

  Additional note: The vines already know all her greatest hits

  "Alright, alright," I laugh, carefully settling onto the surprisingly comfortable plant-bed. "I know when I'm outnumbered. Wake me if anything tries to eat us? And Aurora – no impromptu concerts without my permission."

  Aurora's only response is an innocent chime that doesn't fool anyone, while the vines arrange themselves into a protective canopy overhead, their leaves filtering the strange Wyldwood light into something softer, more dreamlike.

  Sleep protocol initiated

  Perimeter defenses active

  Vine allies standing guard

  Note: They're humming lullabies

  Additional note: Better than Aurora's singing

  As I drift off to sleep, surrounded by friendly vines and protected by a crystal cat with questionable musical taste, I can't help but smile. In a world of void powers and magical trials, sometimes the strangest comfort comes from knowing that somewhere, somehow, even the plants are on your side.

  Even if they do have a crush on you.

  Emergency Alert

  Multiple hostile entities detected

  Approaching from northern quadrant

  Note: Your botanical admirers are quite distressed

  Additional note: Aurora's combat protocols activating

  "Can't a void sovereign get a decent night's sleep?" I groan, already rolling to my feet as void energy instinctively pools around my hands. "What's got everyone so—"

  A howl splits the night air, carrying harmonics that make Aurora's crystal structure vibrate in warning. The friendly vines curl protectively around our position, their earlier flirtatious behavior replaced by what feels surprisingly like determination.

  Analyzing threat pattern

  Entity classification: Mixed hunting party

  Estimated numbers: 12 distinct signatures

  Note: Several appear particularly upset about the grove incident

  Additional note: Your vine friends suggest immediate relocation

  Aurora's form shifts to shadow mode, her dark fur seeming to absorb the surrounding light. Her ears flatten against her head as she drops into a hunting crouch, every movement calculated and predatory.

  Processing query

  Current pursuers include:

  - Displaced nymph allies

  - Grove avengers

  - One particularly angry Matriarch

  Note: Your recent redecorating efforts were not universally appreciated

  Additional note: The vines request you visit again under better circumstances

  Another howl, closer now, makes the air itself shiver. The friendly vines gesture urgently toward a path they've cleared, their movements conveying both concern and what feels oddly like apologetic regret at having our rest disturbed.

  "Thanks for everything," I tell them quickly, as Aurora takes up her position on my shoulder, her crystal structure already calculating optimal escape trajectories. "Rain check on breakfast?"

  The vines bob in agreement, several of them quickly weaving a small crown of luminescent flowers before placing it on my head. Even in crisis, they maintain a flair for aesthetics.

  Warning: Hostiles closing

  Recommended course: Strategic withdrawal

  Note: Your new crown is quite fetching

  Additional note: Though perhaps less stealth-oriented than optimal

  "Everyone's a critic," I mutter, but leave the crown on – no sense in hurting the vines' feelings. Besides, if I'm going to be chased through a magical forest by angry nature spirits, I might as well look fabulous doing it.

  The friendly vines part like a curtain, revealing a path that practically glows with helpful intent. Behind us, the howls grow closer, now accompanied by the sound of branches breaking under pursuit. Our former plant-bed rearranges itself into what looks suspiciously like defensive formations, ready to buy us time.

  Alert: Pursuit imminent

  Tactical analysis:

  - Escape route: Optimal

  - Vine allies: Surprisingly militant

  - Aurora's combat readiness: Maximum

  If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

  Note: Your botanical fan club is quite dedicated

  “Hope this doesn't hurt their chances of finding true love," I say, already moving as Aurora's crystalline form emits low-frequency pulses that map our escape route. The vines wave what feels like both farewell and good luck, their leaves rustling with surprising determination.

  Aurora moves with lethal grace beside me, her form melding with the shadows. Her whiskers twitch as she maps our escape route, sending low pulses that guide our way through the darkness. Her muscles ripple with barely contained power, ready to strike at a moment's notice.

  "Really?" I pant, ducking under a helpful branch while void energy flows through my muscles. "You're scoring our escape?"

  Aurora lets out a rumbling purr of amusement as she adjusts the background music, her tail swishing in time with what sounds suspiciously like a techno remix of traditional fae battle hymns.

  Status update:

  Pursuit gaining momentum

  Hostile intent: Significant

  Background music: Questionable

  Note: At least you're being hunted in style

  Additional note: Crown still intact

  The forest blurs around us as we run, my void-enhanced speed and Aurora's crystal navigation turning our flight into something almost graceful. Behind us, the sounds of pursuit grow steadily closer, accompanied by what might be creative cursing in several ancient languages.

  "So FRIDAY," I pant, vaulting over a fallen tree that definitely wasn't there a second ago, "just how many angry magical creatures are we talking about?"

  Analyzing pursuit patterns...

  Current count: 23 distinct entities

  Classification: Various

  Note: Several appear particularly upset about the grove incident

  Additional note: One seems to be taking it personally

  "Let me guess," I duck under a branch that tries to grab my hair, careful not to dislodge my glowing crown, "that would be the 'taking it personally' one?"

  Correct

  Entity identified: Grove Matriarch

  Threat level: Extreme

  Note: She was rather fond of those trees

  Additional note: Your new vine friends send their regards

  Final note: And suggest running faster

  The howls grow closer, and I feel my void energy responding erratically. It pulses through me in waves, each surge stronger but less controlled than the last. Aurora's crystal structure vibrates in warning as reality starts to warp around us.

  "FRIDAY," I gasp, trying to focus on Reality Anchoring while running, "a little help with the whole 'not accidentally creating a black hole' thing?"

  Analyzing void fluctuations

  Reality Anchoring at 43% efficiency

  Warning: Power surge detected

  Note: Perhaps try NOT thinking about black holes

  Additional note: Your anxiety is making it worse

  Aurora's presence steadies me as she presses close, her low purr resonating at frequencies that help stabilize my wild void energy. Her whiskers twitch with concentration as she helps ground my erratic powers.

  "Right," I mutter, forcing myself to breathe steadily even as I hear our pursuers gaining ground. "Focus on the basics. Crystal resonance synchronization. Just like in training... which I definitely had... at some point..."

  Attempting power stabilization

  Current control level: Erratic

  Crystal resonance attempting to compensate

  Note: Your void techniques are still developing

  Additional note: Perhaps less void lightning, more running?

  I try to channel my power more precisely, reaching for the Advanced Void Control I supposedly possess. Instead, reality hiccups around us, and suddenly we're running sideways along a tree trunk. Aurora adapts instantly, her crystalline structure shifting to compensate for the altered gravity, but I can feel my control slipping.

  "Not exactly what I was going for," I pant, as void energy continues to leak from my hands in unpredictable bursts. The dimensional awareness part of my Void Mastery kicks in just enough to tell me I'm making a mess of local spacetime, but not enough to actually help me fix it.

  Reality stability at 67% and falling

  Recommendation: Focus on basic void techniques

  Advanced abilities still unreliable

  Note: Tree running looks impressive though

  Additional note: Aurora suggests less showing off, more stability

  A particularly strong surge of void energy pulses through me, and suddenly we're back on normal ground – though "normal" is relative when reality keeps rippling like a pond in a storm. I can feel my powers trying to respond to the threat behind us, but each attempt at control just makes things more chaotic.

  "This would be so much easier," I growl, as another failed attempt at void control turns a nearby bush into abstract art, "if someone had actually taught me how to use any of this!"

  Training status: Pending

  Current learning method: Trial by fire

  Note: At least you're making pretty patterns

  Additional note: Though perhaps save the art projects for later

  "Okay," I pant, watching as shadows twist unnaturally around my fingers, "new plan. Basic moves only. No fancy void tricks, no reality warping, just—"

  A tree directly in our path suddenly bursts into dark flames as my powers misfire spectacularly. Aurora's crystalline form vibrates in what feels suspiciously like laughter.

  Warning: Void energy destabilizing

  Current control rating: 27% and falling

  Note: That tree was innocent

  Additional note: Though the fire effect is aesthetically pleasing

  Final note: Aurora suggests focusing on running

  The pursuing howls grow closer, accompanied by the sound of multiple entities moving through the forest with predatory grace. My glowing flower crown pulses in warning, the friendly vines' last gift apparently doubling as a magical proximity sensor.

  "You know what would be really helpful right now?" I gasp, ducking under a branch while trying to keep my wild void energy from turning more flora into abstract art. "If literally anyone had given me a user manual for these powers. Maybe a quick 'Void Energy for Dummies' guide? Even a pamphlet would help!"

  Processing complaint...

  Current training method: Experiential learning

  Translation: Figure it out or die trying

  Note: Aurora suggests less complaining, more survival

  Another surge of uncontrolled power makes reality hiccup, and suddenly we're twenty feet in the air. Aurora quickly creates a crystal platform beneath our feet, her structure adapting to provide emergency landing gear while my powers continue their impressive display of cosmic chaos.

  "Not. Helping." I grit my teeth, trying to focus on the most basic void techniques while ignoring the fact that we're now somehow running on air. "Just need to... stabilize this... somehow..."

  Reality stability: 42% and dropping

  Suggestion: Perhaps try NOT thinking about falling

  Note: Though your accidental anti-gravity is impressive

  Additional note: Aurora enjoying the view

  Final note: Pursuers appear confused by current tactics

  At least something's going right. Below us, our pursuers have paused, apparently trying to figure out if my display of chaotic power is intentional strategy or just spectacular incompetence. Even the Grove Matriarch seems hesitant to follow us into our bubble of physics-defying mayhem.

  "Right," I mutter, carefully channeling what little control I have left while Aurora's crystal resonance helps maintain our precarious position. "Let's call this a tactical retreat with style. Now if I could just figure out how to get us down without creating another black hole..."

  Processing request...

  Calculating safe descent...

  Note: Previous attempts at controlled landing resulted in:

  - 2 dimensional rifts

  - 1 temporal loop

  - 1 very confused squirrel

  Recommendation: Perhaps let Aurora handle this one

  Another howl, closer now. The trees ahead part like curtains, revealing a clearing bathed in silvery light. At its center stands a figure that makes me stumble to a halt – a woman who seems to be made of moonlight and fury, her form shifting between human and something ancient and terrible. The Grove Matriarch. And she does not look happy.

  "Oh," I manage, void energy crackling erratically around my hands in a display that's more nervous tension than actual control. "I don't suppose saying 'sorry about your trees' would help?"

  Her answering smile shows too many teeth, each one gleaming like polished pearl. "Little void walker," her voice carries the weight of centuries, "you have much to learn about consequences."

  Behind her, the rest of my pursuers emerge from the woods – a menagerie of magical creatures, each one radiating power and disapproval. Some look almost human, others decidedly not. All of them seem to agree that I need a lesson in Wyldwood etiquette.

  Combat analysis:

  Enemy count: Increasing

  Current power level: Insufficient for direct confrontation

  Tactical options: Limited

  Suggestion: Perhaps try diplomacy?

  Note: Or more running. Running has worked well so far.

  "Right," I mutter, watching as more creatures join the gathering, my glowing flower crown pulsing with urgent warning. "Time for another creative solution. Because this is exactly how I wanted to spend my first day as a void sovereign – running from an angry mob of magical beings."

  The Matriarch takes a step forward, and the very air seems to bend around her. "The old ways demand blood for such transgressions," she says, her voice like wind through ancient branches. "But perhaps... perhaps we can reach an arrangement."

  I clench my fists, trying to keep the erratic void energy from leaking between my fingers. "I'm listening. Though if this involves any more sacred groves or suspicious lakes, I'm going to have to pass."

  Her laugh sounds like breaking glass. "Oh no, little sovereign. What I have in mind is much more... interesting."

  Warning: Incoming proposition detected

  Calculating risk factors...

  Note: Subject's tendency toward unconventional solutions noted

  Additional note: This should be entertaining

  Sometimes I really hate it when FRIDAY's right.

  The Grove Matriarch's form shimmers in the moonlight as she reaches into the folds of her ethereal robes. Every creature in the clearing leans forward, their collective breath held in anticipation. I grip a fallen branch tighter, the rough bark digging into my palm. My void powers might be growing, but right now I can barely manage to keep reality from hiccupping around me, let alone form stable shadow weapons. I half expected her to pull out some ancient weapon of devastating power.

  Instead, she produces... a seed.

  The tiny thing sits in her palm, no bigger than my thumbnail. It pulses with a soft golden light, like a star caught in amber.

  "That's it?" The words slip out before I can stop them. "All this chase, all this drama, and you want to show me your gardening project?"

  Warning: Diplomatic tact recommended

  Note: Perhaps antagonizing ancient being unwise

  Additional note: Subject appears incapable of maintaining silence

  The Matriarch's smile turns sharp. "This, little sovereign, is one of the last Twilight Seed in existence. The very thing you destroyed when you unleashed void energy in my grove."

  "Oh." I wince, remembering the chaos of my escape. "In my defense, your nymphs were trying to eat me."

  "They were performing their sacred duty," she says, as if explaining something obvious to a child. "The grove must feed. But that is no longer relevant." Her fingers close around the seed. "You have destroyed balance, and now you must restore it."

  I eye the seed suspiciously. "And how exactly am I supposed to do that?"

  "You will take this seed," the Matriarch's voice carries the weight of ancient law, "and you will grow it to maturity. Using your void energy."

  "That's it?" I ask again, unable to keep the doubt from my voice. Every creature in the clearing takes a synchronized step back, as if expecting me to explode. "Just... grow a plant? With void energy? The same energy that, you know, literally just destroyed an entire sacred grove?"

  Analyzing proposition...

  Warning: Task significantly more complex than stated

  Historical success rate: 0.001%

  Note: Previous attempts resulted in:

  - 7 dimensional collapses

  - 3 spontaneous black holes

  - 1 very confused elephant

  The Matriarch's laugh sounds like wind through dead leaves. "Oh, child. You think void energy only destroys? The space between realities holds infinite potential. Creation and destruction are merely different notes in the same song."

  I stare at the seed, my newly enhanced senses picking up waves of ancient power radiating from its tiny form. Every instinct screams that this is a trap, that nothing in the Fae realm is ever this simple.

  "And if I refuse?"

  The clearing temperature drops several degrees. "Then the balance remains broken, and the old laws demand payment in blood. Your blood, specifically. Quite a lot of it."

  "Grow a magical seed or die horribly," I mutter. "You know, they really should include these scenarios in basic training."

  Combat analysis:

  Current options:

  1. Accept suspicious seed

  2. Fight entire Wyldwood

  3. Attempt escape (Success probability: 3%)

  Recommendation: Perhaps take the seed

  "Fine," I sigh, holding out my hand. "Give me the potentially catastrophic seed of doom. But I want it noted that I think this is a terrible idea."

  The Matriarch places the seed in my palm. The moment it touches my skin, void energy surges through me like a lightning strike. The seed pulses once, twice, then starts to hum with a frequency that makes my teeth ache.

  "Remember," the Matriarch's voice seems to come from everywhere and nowhere, "balance must be maintained. Life and void, creation and destruction, all must flow in harmony."

  "Right," I say, watching as tiny motes of darkness orbit the glowing seed. "No pressure or anything. Just casually manipulating fundamental forces of existence. Totally normal Tuesday. Or whatever day it is here."

  The gathered creatures begin to fade back into the forest, their forms dissolving like mist. Only the Matriarch remains, her moonlight form growing dimmer.

  "Oh, and little sovereign?" Her smile holds secrets within secrets. "Do try not to create any black holes this time. They're such a bother to clean up."

  Quest updated: Grow the Twilight Seed

  Current success rate: Calculating...

  Error: Math too depressing to display

  Note: Perhaps we should work on your gardening skills

  Additional note: Try not to think about the black holes

  "Thanks for the vote of confidence, FRIDAY." I stare at the seed pulsing in my palm, trying to ignore how the void energy within me reaches for it like a moth to flame. "Any chance you've got a 'Magical Gardening for Dummies' guide in that database of yours?"

  Searching archives...

  No relevant guides found

  Though there is an interesting chapter on

  "Why Void Sovereigns Shouldn't Play with Seeds"

  Note: The elephant incident is particularly educational

  Sometimes I really hate this realm.

  The Matriarch's final words hang in the air like frost. "While you hold the Twilight Seed, no creature in the Wyldwood will attempt to end your life. Consider it... insurance."

  And then she's gone, leaving me alone in the clearing with a seed that could either save or destroy me, depending on how spectacularly I mess this up.

  I stare at the softly pulsing seed in my palm. "That's oddly specific wording," I mutter. "'Attempt to end your life' leaves a lot of wiggle room for creative interpretation."

  Analyzing Matriarch's proclamation...

  Note: Fae are notorious for linguistic loopholes

  Warning: Protection does not extend to:

  - Maiming

  - Torture

  - Psychological trauma

  - Temporary death

  Recommendation: Maintain vigilance

  "Wonderful." I carefully tuck the seed into a pocket that seems least likely to accidentally create a dimensional rift. The void energy within me reaches for it like a curious child, making my skin tingle. "At least I don't have to worry about dying while trying to figure out this whole magical gardening thing."

  Aurora's ears prick forward with interest as she catches the seed's thrumming energy. She pads closer, her tail swishing with feline curiosity as she sniffs delicately at my pocket. A deep, resonant purr rumbles from her chest as she picks up the seed's unique frequency.

  Analysis: Aurora's resonance harmonizing with seed frequency

  Note: Unexpected positive interaction detected

  Additional note: First recorded instance of void-attuned companion bonding with Twilight energy

  Warning: Still advise against letting her play with it

  "What do you think, girl?" I ask, watching as she tilts her head, whiskers twitching. "Think we can grow this thing without breaking reality?"

  Aurora's only response is to press her head against my hand, her purr deepening as the seed's energy mingles with her own resonance. The combination sends ripples of warmth through my fingers, like sunlight dancing on water.

  Translating Aurora's intent

  Primary sentiment expressed: "Mine"

  Note: She appears quite adamant about this

  Additional note: Recommend not arguing with the void-enhanced cat

  "Wait," I pause, looking between Aurora and FRIDAY's hovering text. "You can actually understand what she's trying to say?"

  Affirmative

  Aurora's light patterns and frequencies carry distinct meanings

  Translation protocols fully functional

  Note: Not limited by human perception constraints

  Additional note: Her current message is quite clear

  "And what exactly is my void-enhanced cat saying about my potentially reality-breaking seed?"

  Secondary indicators: Protective instincts activated

  Note: She's rather possessive of anything that resonates with void energy

  Additional note: This includes you

  "Of course she is," I sigh, watching as Aurora continues to purr at my pocket. "So you've been able to understand her this whole time?"

  Correct

  My systems process energy patterns beyond human perception

  Though you will likely develop similar abilities

  Note: Your void attunement grows stronger

  Additional note: Aurora is now saying "definitely mine"