Chapter 418 Awakening [2]

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.