Alina's hand moved instinctively as she stitched a uniform collar the next morning. Around her, the sewing circle hummed with quiet conversations. But her mind still churned through the same questions over and over again until someone called her name.
"Miss Ashworth."
Alina looked up. A young kitchen maid stood there looking nervous, her eyes darting around before leaning closer.
"Maren wants to see you."
Alina set down her needle and stood up instantly. She walked through the empty corridors and knocked her door twice. It opened.
Alina entered, and Maren began speaking without wasting any time.
"My agents have confirmed the information," Maren said. "It connects to the Voss network's western communication line."
Alina's gaze shifted to the map on the wall where Maren had marked the village.
"Is this proof enough?" Alina asked.
