Aldric looked me up and down, his brow furrowing. "This Sovereign has never laid eyes on you. What do you mean, 'a long time'?"
Oh. I had almost forgotten. After my body reformed, my appearance had changed completely.
No wonder he didn't recognize me.
But my attention wasn't on him. Every ounce of it was fixed on Elara, and I had no patience to spare for Aldric.
I stared at Elara, unblinking. "You're looking well. Rosy cheeks, bright eyes. My master's bones must be serving you nicely."
Back then, my demon essence had only granted Elara passage in and out of the Nine Heavens. Without immortal bones, she still could not ascend to godhood.
Aldric had once considered taking my demon bones instead, but the skeletal frame of an ancient demon goddess was far more than a mortal body like Elara's could withstand. He'd been forced to abandon the idea.
It had taken him all these years of searching to finally find my master's bones, the perfect match for Elara.
My words landed, and understanding dawned across Aldric's face.
"Ah, so it's the Grandmaster of Dawnveil's little disciple. I was wondering who dared."