Rising from the Ashes (Andrew) novel Chapter 2077

Andrew said, "If you help us and get exposed, you could die."

Cordelia blurted out, "I'm not afraid! I grew up in hellish conditions. Later, when I was taken and forced into the Crimson Flame Cult, I suffered through the torment of the Flamebinding. I've already lived through worse. Passing along information is nothing compared to that. I can handle it easily."

Andrew hesitated for a moment, then nodded. "Alright then, but be careful."

Cordelia smiled. "Consider this my way of repaying you for saving my life and helping me break free from the Flamebinding."

Then, she removed her disguise and put on the black robes of a Crimson Flame Cult member, covering half her face before heading out the door.

Eric chuckled. "You're not actually buying into what she is selling, are you?"

Andrew replied casually, "Whether I believe her or not doesn't matter. Even if she walks out that door and sells us out immediately, it won't make a difference."

Eric looked thoughtful. "I actually think she is being genuine. Ideally, I would've just controlled her with Phantom Mirage, but once she's back at the McDaniel family estate, Dorian would easily notice something was off. My only question is… Why does she want to help us?"

He looked at Andrew with a knowing expression.

Andrew shrugged. "Why are you looking at me? How would I know?"

Eric smirked. "Don't you think you're the reason she's willing to risk her life?"

Andrew let out a dry laugh. "You're overthinking it. You really believe she'd throw away her life just because of me? Come on. She used to be a Crimson Flame Cult zealot. She's killed, burned, and butchered. A person like that doesn't just grow a soft heart overnight."

Eric nodded slowly. "You've got a point. Which means, more likely than not, she's just trying to earn our trust by playing along."

…

As night fell, the party inside the McDaniel family estate was in full swing.

The massive property stretched from the upper hillside down to the valley, every level lit with strings of lights. Music blared, fireworks popped, and the whole place pulsed with noise and laughter.

Every wealthy figure in Sunstrand showed up to toast the McDaniels. Dozens of martial artists crowded the halls as well, all invited by the family to celebrate.

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