Michael studied her face for a while.
Evidently, this princess was quite knowledgeable.
Michael inclined his head slightly.
"The short version," he began evenly, "is that I was fortunate enough to recognize the illusion early. I managed to force myself out of it—"
Without, he added silently, mentioning that he'd done so by nearly dislocating his own rib.
"—and once I was free, I began searching the premises. It didn't take long to locate the source of the spell."
Arianne's eyes widened a fraction. "And the perpetrators?"
Michael shook his head, his tone regretful but calm.
"Gone by the time I reached them. They left no trace worth following."
Technically true—though he neglected to mention why they'd left no trace.
He gestured vaguely toward the entrance.