How to Decode a Hoard of Forbidden Things (6)

I came back with the same caution. The hallway felt shorter now, like it wanted to spit me out.

I found Thalia again, pressed against the wall, her body slightly tilted like someone disguising interest with boredom. The woman was still staring at her, like she was passively waiting.

"Well?" Thalia whispered, without moving her lips.

"They're not hiding a ritual. They're hiding an entire operation."

"What?"

"Trafficking. Memories, relics, formulas, forged seals. And coordination. Everything runs like clockwork. And the worst part?"

"What?"

"She's the dial."

Thalia turned pale.

And before we could say anything else...

The woman lifted her head.

Looked right at us.

Her shadow didn't move. Her chest didn't rise. But something in the air trembled.

And then—she lifted her head. Fast. Straight at me.

She didn't blink. Didn't hesitate. Just opened her mouth.

And screamed.