The sound of the washing machine humming to life echoed from the small laundry alcove off Gwen's kitchen. She emerged a few minutes later, wiping her hands on a dish towel, her eyes immediately finding Kaine where he sat hunched over the ancient book.
"Should be ready in about an hour," she said, settling back into her chair. "The stain wasn't as bad as I thought. Coffee came out pretty easily."
Kaine nodded without looking up, his finger tracing the strange symbols on the page he'd been studying. The illustrations were clearer now that he'd had time to examine them properly, but they raised more questions than they answered.
"Anything new?" Gwen asked, leaning forward slightly.
"Nothing you missed. Your translation was thorough." He closed the book with a soft thud. "We need more information about how Hallar gained his powers. The text mentions supernatural abilities but doesn't specify the source. Could be demonic pacts, blood magic, ancient artifacts—any number of things."
