'Ethea...' A sharp ache tightened in Soren's chest, but he forced it down, steeling his resolve to push into the dark corners they had both been avoiding till now. 'Ethea... What exactly happened back then? Who did this to you? Is it... connected to the Zero Circle organization?'
The relaxed atmosphere vanished instantly. The mental link went completely rigid, the lingering warmth from her childhood memories snapping shut like a heavy vault door.
'Where did you hear that name?' she asked, her voice dropping to a sharp, defensive whisper that seemed to echo directly in his mind.
'The Emperor and President Craig,' Soren replied, keeping his focus steady. 'They told me about it when I asked who the enemy might be. I heard you fought with them a few times before, and they excel at manipulating gates.'
'I see...'
The connection fell still again as Ethea went silent for a few minutes, gathering her thoughts before finally deciding to reveal everything.
