For just a moment, confusion flickered across Raymond's features. Some buried part of his consciousness seemed to be struggling against the magical conditioning, trying to process my warning about his own safety.But the moment passed quickly, replaced by renewed anger and suspicion. The conditionin
The house arrest began immediately, with guards posted outside my quarters ostensibly for my protection but actually to ensure I couldn't continue my investigation or contact potential allies. My room became a prison, comfortable but confining.Raymond arrived within hours to formally explain my new
Professional distance was the only weapon I had left. If I could maintain my credibility with Raymond while secretly working to keep Aurora safe, maybe I could find another way to expose Giana's conspiracy before it was too late.But watching Aurora's face as I maintained my silence was the hardest
As the dining hall gradually emptied out, conversations dying to uncomfortable whispers, I managed to pull myself together enough to attempt a dignified exit. The weight of everyone's stares felt crushing. I needed to escape before the humiliation became completely unbearable.But what I didn't real
"Tell them what really happened," I said desperately to Kane, my voice carrying across the silent hall. "Tell them about the surveillance, about what we heard."Kane's response was devastating in its professional neutrality: "I can only report what I observed, not interpret motivations or mental sta
I never got the chance to regroup and plan my next move. Giana struck first, and she struck with devastating precision that spoke to months of careful planning and preparation.The next morning, before I could even process the destruction of our evidence or figure out an alternative approach, Giana