Anthony's figure materialized within his room, where Vega could be seen lounging comfortably, her legs crossed as she scrolled through her phone, seemingly engrossed in the latest threads of internet gossip and news.

"Did you miss me?" he asked the moment he appeared, a teasing smile tugging at his lips.

Vega's eyes drifted from her screen, her deep purple irises landing on Anthony. After a brief silence, she sighed and murmured softly, "I'm worried."

Anthony raised an eyebrow. He could hardly believe the words that had just left Vega's mouth. Worried? Coming from her, that was almost impossible to comprehend. Vega was powerful, beautiful, confident, born to powerful parents, with equally powerful in-laws and, not to mention, a boyfriend of considerable strength. So what on earth could possibly make her worried?

In a blink, Anthony's figure vanished from where he stood and reappeared beside her, settling calmly onto the seat next to her. "What's the problem?" he asked with quiet concern. "Did something happen to Klaus or Amara?" Even as the words left his mouth, he knew how absurd the question was. If anything truly happened to Klaus or Amara, the entire galaxy would likely be thrown into chaos.

Vega smiled faintly at his worried expression, shaking her head as she replied, "It isn't either of them." She paused briefly, her tone lowering as her eyes softened. "It's Veronica. I haven't seen her for six months. After Damian's death, she said she was going on a trip to mourn. At first, I waited a few days, then weeks, for her to return. Yet… nothing. Not a single text, call, or even a trace of her presence."

Anthony remained silent for a moment. Since that night he had secretly witnessed Veronica crying, he hadn't seen her again, mostly because he had been in closed training. Still, he understood Vega's unease. Vega and Veronica had always been close, almost inseparable. The thought that something might have happened to Veronica during her mourning wasn't far-fetched.

'But six months of mourning… that's a bit excessive,' Anthony thought inwardly, though he dared not voice the thought aloud.

"Should I check?" he asked finally, leaning back slightly. "I have my ways to look in on her." His tone was casual, though it was clear he had no personal desire to interfere. It was simply a proposal.

Vega shook her head. "There's no need," she replied softly. "I know she's fine. She isn't dead or in danger."

Anthony arched an eyebrow, confusion flickering across his face. "You just said you haven't heard from her. No call, no text. So… how do you know she's alright?"

A small smile crept onto Vega's lips, tinged with pride. "It seems I forgot to tell you," she began. "After my Bloodline Awakening, I awakened the Cause and Effect ability, my mother's ability. It seems I've inherited it."

Anthony smiled and nodded slightly, though curiosity lingered in his mind. He'd always wondered what exactly the Cause and Effect ability entailed. Amara had once sensed him the very moment he attempted to probe her using the Authority of Information, which already hinted at the terrifying depth of her power. After a few moments of thought, however, he brushed off the curiosity. It didn't concern him, at least, not for now.

"If you already know she's fine," Anthony asked, his tone calm, "then what exactly are you worried about?"

Vega hesitated before responding. "I mean… shouldn't she have returned by now? I know she loved Damian deeply, but she can't throw her life away over grief. She should have… gotten her life together by now." Her voice softened as she exhaled, a quiet sigh escaping her lips. "Forget it."

Anthony studied her face for a moment and then simply nodded. He wasn't particularly concerned about Veronica's safety. If something had happened to her, or if something did, he could always find a way to save her, no matter how far away she was.

"So," he said after a pause, "are you planning to train your Cause and Effect ability with your mother?" He knew that since Vega's Bloodline Awakening, she hadn't spent much time under Amara's direct guidance. Perhaps Amara had offered her a few pieces of advice, but nothing resembling true, rigorous training.

"No," Vega replied with serene composure as she set her phone face down on the table in front of her. "After the Awakening, Mom told me that my gaining the Cause and Effect ability was already a Cause and Effect in itself, it had nothing to do with us being mother and daughter. Meaning, I have to pave my own path through it."

Anthony listened in silence and nodded once more. That explanation made sense. If the Cause and Effect ability could truly be trained under Amara's supervision, he was certain that both Amara and Klaus would have kept Vega locked within their estate until she reached a formidable level of mastery.

"Well…" he said at last, a faint grin tugging at the corners of his mouth, "it seems you've made quite a lot of progress already. You can even discern Veronica's condition without moving, chanting, or doing anything elaborate. That's impressive."

Vega's lips curved into a self-satisfied smile. "Well, what can I say? I'm just that talented. If you didn't exist, I'd probably be the most gifted person in the entire universe."

Anthony matched her smile with a smug grin of his own. "Unfortunately for you, the universe doesn't operate on ifs. It's either this or that, no in-between."

"Hmph," Vega huffed, pouting slightly as she crossed her arms in mock annoyance.

"Besides," Anthony continued, clearly enjoying himself, "if I didn't exist, you'd still be very much single. Imagine a life without me."

"There's no need to imagine," Vega countered almost instantly, her tone sharp yet playful. "My life would be perfect without you. After all, the nineteen years of my existence before your arrival were already filled with bliss, joy, and happiness."

Anthony chuckled and shook his head. "Without me," he replied, his voice carrying a note of humor, "there'd be no grand events in your life, the kind of chaos and excitement you secretly love so much."

"Tsk…" Vega clicked her tongue, rolling her eyes. "You win this round," she muttered, conceding defeat with a reluctant smile.

Anthony's smile softened as he looked at her. In moments like this, when she let her guard down and indulged in lighthearted banter, she looked cuter.

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