After the waiter left, Mr. Rondale lowered his voice and asked Shard, his brown eyes looking across the table at the young detective.
"It is I who have been searching for you, I am like you."
Shard thus hinted at his own identity as a Circle Sorcerer, folding his hands together on the table, where a golden candlestick with a burning candle stood between them. The candle, of course, was not for illumination. The gas lamp disguised as a crystal chandelier above was the source of light, and the candle was merely decorative.
The soft yellow light illuminated their faces and allowed them to see each other's expressions.
"I've been looking for a ritual."
Shard also lowered his voice to prevent others from hearing:
"A very ancient ritual, so I need the help of an ancient organization like yours. I bear no malice, otherwise, I would not have revealed my identity."
Mr. Rondale hesitated and nodded: