Thought Contagion

Sericea's acidic green eyes were locked on her mother as Absinth delivered her final words. The lesson on perception had ignited a fire within her, a hunger to master this art of reflection and manipulation. She could see it now - the power in being a mirror, in showing others only what they wanted or expected to see. It was a dance of control, a game where the winner held all the cards. Sericea's mind spun with the possibilities, imagining how she could use this skill to her advantage.

When Absinth warned of the dangers of doubt, hesitation, impatience and overconfidence, Sericea took the words to heart. She refused to let those weaknesses take root within her. No, she would be like her mother - poised, calculating, always one step ahead.

As Absinth turned to leave, her parting message hung in the air. Every moment is an opportunity. Use it well, or lose it to someone who will. Sericea felt a flicker of excitement dance along her spine. She was determined not to waste a single chance to grow stronger, sharper, more perceptive.

"Sericea Praetor-Inferos"