"The name Halwen Grey doesn't belong to one person."
I'd expected as much. "An alias?"
"A relay title. It gets passed between whoever's currently handling the role. Grey gloves mark whoever's holding it. Nobody in the lower network knows the real name underneath."
"A very convenient arrangement for cowards."
"Cowards tend to live longer."
"Until they meet me."
Her eyes narrowed slightly, and Abi's smile only widened, so she pressed on before he could make it worse.
"The first records I found were trade manifests. Preservation salts, black salt residue, old ward stones, ritual grade bone, and certain temple grade oils, all purchased through intermediaries. Most of the payments routed through charitable accounts, private donor funds, and closed temple budgets."
"The House of Gentle Mercy."
"Yes."
"And Saint Orison's?"
Her gaze sharpened. "You already know about Saint Orison's."
"I know enough to ask."
"Then yes. A portion of the material passed through the lower chapel."
