"You're awfully prepared for a parasite in hiding."
That hit closer than she knew.
I shrugged.
"Caution's how I'm still breathing."
And bluffing. Lots of bluffing. But I didn't say that.
For a second, she just stared at me, lips pressed into a thin line.
Then she exhaled and nodded—barely.
Progress.
"There's a small underground passage northeast from here,You'll find it beneath a hollowed-out tree with silver moss around the base. Can't miss it."
She didn't respond, but I saw her posture shift slightly. Still guarded. Still suspicious.
"There's a guest down there," I added. "Nothing too troublesome. You can handle it."
The word guest was generous. It was more like a trial run.
I was also delegating some pest control.
She turned slightly, eyes narrowed. "And where will you be?"
I smiled beneath the mask. "I'll come to find you when the time is right."
"When will that be?" Her voice had that dangerous edge again.
