I returned to the outskirts, posing as an investment consultant looking for small partnerships. This false powerlessness was my best shield. I spread rumors about Northvale's weakness through Stark's old contact network, ensuring Elara and the Norths believed I was busy running aimlessly in Asia.
Two weeks passed in suffocating silence. I refrained from direct intervention even as I received reports that Cyrus was trying to access Valerian's old bunker.
That evening, as I was drafting a false report to leak to Coven agents, the old private phone only Lianna knew rang.
"Lianna?" I picked up, keeping my voice neutral.
"Cassian? Thank God..." Her voice broke. "I don't know who else to contact."
"What's wrong? Is Valerian all right?" I asked, trying to sound professional, not like a panic
