章 212: Showcase, Part Thirty

Melisa took a deep breath, her curiosity piqued. 

"Alright, I'm listening. What's going on?"

Aria hesitated, her gaze shifting toward the window as if she were weighing her words carefully.

"Before my father passed," she began, her voice quieter, "he told me... he believed the Shadow Mages were involved in crimes against the crown. He had suspicions for a while, but nothing concrete. The truth is, I have no idea how deep their influence runs. It could be anywhere—or anyone." She turned her eyes back to Melisa, her expression somber. "That's why I need someone from the outside to help me, even if it means trusting someone I still can't fully trust."

Melisa crossed her arms, her brow furrowing.

It was obvious there was probably more to what her father actually said than she let on, but she clearly wanted to keep her cards close to her chest. 

[Well, whatever. That's not what I have a problem with.]