She was only pretending to be surprised, of course, having already guessed what Cassie wanted to do... and what the Song clan was going to do, as well.
But each of them had their role to play.
The monstrous visage of Seishan suddenly loomed over the blind seer. However, even when the ghastly creature's claws rose to rest against her throat, Cassie did not move.
"Nephis..."
Seishan's usually pleasant, husky voice sounded hoarse and distorted, coming out of her terrifying maw.
"You'd better stand down. There will be many battles... but you only have one friend."
Nephis looked at the princess of Song coldly as white flames ignited in her eyes.
"...You seem confident in yourself, Seishan. Are you sure that you can hurt her before I turn you to ash?"
Seishan seemed to hesitate for a moment.
Then, her lips twisted into a grin, revealing several rows of sharp triangular fangs.
"I do believe that I can... but let us not find out."
With that, she lowered her hand, leaving several shallow cuts on Cassie's slender neck.
Then, Seishan said evenly:
"Cassia."
At some point, a dagger appeared in the delicate woman's hand. At the sound of Seishan's voice, Cassie silently raised the dagger and pressed it against her own neck.
Her expression remained eerily calm.
Nephis expression, however, changed slightly.
"What did you..."
Before she could finish the sentence, Cassie pressed the blade deeper, and a thin stream of blood escaped from beneath it.
"Stop!"
Nephis took a step forward, then froze, greeting her teeth.
Her voice sounded even, but there was a note of wariness in it:
"Stop..."
Seishan studied her somberly for a little while.
"I think it is you who should stop. Look around... this battle is already lost, anyway. You will gain nothing if you continue to fight. On the contrary, you will lose something precious."
Answering to her Aspect, the blood flowed faster from the cut on Cassie's neck.
Nephis regarded Seishan silently for a while, her blazing eyes betraying a feeling of dark contempt.
Second passed after second, with more blood spilling on the ancient bone.
Eventually, she gritted her teeth.
...And shouted:
"Retreat!"