The motel room was quiet, wrapped in the dim glow of moonlight slipping through half-drawn curtains. Trafalgar lay sprawled across the narrow bed, arms crossed behind his head, one ankle resting casually over the other.
The Shadowlink Echo was already resting in his hand, its familiar weight grounding him. After a brief pause, he exhaled and began to imbue it with mana.
The device responded instantly.
He spoke calmly, carefully, his voice low but steady.
"I know how this might look, Caelum," he said, eyes fixed on the ceiling, "but trust me—it's exactly what you think, and I didn't do anything reckless. I was just investigating."
He paused for half a heartbeat, then continued.
"I also ran into Borin au Dvergar. And… truth be told, I've already crossed paths with the other heirs of the Eight Great Families."
A faint tension crept into his tone, subtle but present.
"In fact, I need to talk to you about something."
He cut the flow of mana.
The message was sent.
