Javier narrowed his eyes. "And what happens if the others get their vessels, but you don't?"
Aria's smirk faded slightly, her expression turning serious. "Then it's only a matter of time before I'm devoured."
The air grew heavy as she continued, "When Celestials find their vessels, war begins. It's inevitable. The strong will hunt the weak. The vessels will do whatever it takes to kill each other. And when one falls, the victorious Celestial consumes the defeated one, growing stronger with every battle."
She flicked her fingers, a small golden flame appearing before vanishing just as quickly. "It's a cycle. A brutal, endless cycle until only one remains."
Javier frowned. "And a Celestial without a vessel?"
Aria exhaled through her nose. "Like fine wine spilled onto the ground—easy to take in, easy to absorb."
Her eyes locked onto his. "Without a vessel, I have no proper form. If another Celestial finds me, they can devour me instantly. No fight, no resistance. Just gone."
