Ssszzzt.
My palm—housing the Gu Clan’s secret art and its divine flame—pressed to the tree as I spoke to Father.
“If you try anything more, I’ll burn this tree. Then the person inside goes with it. Got it?”
When I brought my hand so close it looked like I’d set it alight any second, Father hesitated.
“……What are you doing right now?”
His voice was flustered. Hearing it, the corner of my mouth curled up.
“What do you think? Can’t you tell by looking? I’m threatening you.”
Sssk.
Father started to move. The instant I saw it, I pushed my hand even closer to the tree.
“Do. Not. Move.”
A flinch. Father stopped. It worked.
“Take even one more step, and I’ll burn it as is.”
“…….”
Of course, I wasn’t actually going to burn it. No matter what, I wasn’t going to scorch Mother. But I figured only by showing I was dead serious would I get through to him.
“Don’t believe me? Want me to burn it?”
“……Wait.”