57 - Will I get framed? - Part 1

The moment the maid slipped out of the room, Elias quietly shut his book and stood. His sharp gaze followed her retreating footsteps until they faded into the distance. As soon as he was sure she was gone, he moved to the bed, crouching down to retrieve the hidden bundle.

He reached beneath the bedframe and pulled out a small cloth pouch tied with string. It felt light in his hands, but his instincts screamed at him not to open it carelessly. Something about it felt... wrong.

Setting the pouch on his desk, he carefully untied the string and loosened the fabric. A fine, silvery powder spilled out slightly, glittering faintly in the candlelight.

Elias's brows furrowed as he stared at the powder. It didn't smell of anything, and he couldn't identify it by sight alone, but every fiber of his being warned him not to touch it.

Suddenly, his system spoke in his mind.