Alex placed a comforting hand on her head and said softly,
"I'm not abandoning you. I want you to grow strong—strong enough to soar like a phoenix in the sky."
She sniffled, then nodded with resolve. "Yes, Brother."
After finishing the meal, Alex took her to the Hunter School. He introduced her to the principal.
The principal looked at Alex, then at the little girl. His eyes narrowed in confusion—then suddenly widened in surprise.
"She's not your sister."
Alex didn't flinch. His tone was calm. "She is. I accepted her as my sister, and she accepted me as her brother."
The principal frowned, beginning to object.
"That's not how things wor—" He caught himself and changed his words. "Never mind."
Alex nodded. "She has awakened the fire element. Will she be getting elemental training here?"
The principal blinked, visibly stunned.
"Isn't she… five years old?"
Alex didn't answer. He simply stood silently, arms crossed. Hati crept closer to Little Phoenix, protective and quiet.
