As Wanak's figure faded from the mirror's surface, Lumian reluctantly stowed the books on his desk into his Traveler's Bag.
He stood up, left the room, and walked to Julie's door, knocking lightly twice.
Julie quickly opened the door, hugging a blanket to her chest, her bare shoulders glowing like twin mounds of snow under the moonlight.
"I wasn't trying to harass you!" she said with a hint of anticipation.
Lumian spoke as if to himself, "Wanak has invited me to deal with Gusain and Albus together, right in the ruins of Dades Agricultural Company."
Without waiting for Julie's response, Lumian turned and walked down the stairs, merging into the darkness that enveloped the night.
…
Inside a fog-filled hollow, in front of four statues facing each other, Gusain, wearing a silk top hat, said to Albus, who was clad in a black jacket with red stripes,
"We can't be sure if the clues about Wanak are bait. We might step into a trap later."
