[Ray's POV]
I inhaled slowly, the fragrant steam from the hotpot filling my lungs, and exhaled just as deliberately. I needed a moment to order the dark, puzzle-like pieces I'd collected in that grim alley.
I reached for my glass of water, the cool ceramic a solid anchor, and took a long drink. The water was clean, tasteless—a stark contrast to the complex flavors on the table. I set the glass down with a soft thud on the wooden tabletop, lifted my gaze, and looked directly into Ace's silver eyes.
"I attempted to purchase intelligence outright from the black market," I began, my voice measured. "But the shopkeeper—an old werewolf—refused the coin. He's being paid by another party to keep specific secrets."
I glanced briefly at Ovelia and Gale. Ovelia had stopped eating, her full attention on me, a piece of vegetable forgotten on her chopsticks. Gale was chewing slowly, but his gaze was fixed on me, sharp and analytical.
They were both listening.
