I get back to Mika, confidence coursing through me like a fresh surge of power. I slide back into my seat with a practiced smile, the kind that's both disarming and subtly threatening. She glances up, her face unreadable but poised, as always.
"I just spoke to my team."
I say smoothly.
"We're going to start working on the story right away."
I pause, letting my words hang for a moment.
"Of course, it's up to you whether you'd like to stay involved with the process moving forward, but I'd be happy to include you."
Her response comes swiftly, calm and to the point.
"I'd prefer to remain in the shadows. It's better that way."
As soon as she starts talking, I let my focus deepen, reaching into her mind. The barrier she had before is thinner now, or maybe I'm just stronger after Cassandra's spell. Either way, it doesn't take long—I'm in.
