"Thinking over what you said, it does sound like there's some truth to your words. But didn't Master Yi say that he checked Lea by inserting his spiritual energy into her body and didn't find any trace of power?"
"He did, and I also checked myself without alerting Lea but didn't find any traces of power inside her. That's why I've been cooped up in the library for the past few days, trying to find if there are any artifacts or spells that can block detection when checked with spiritual energy, but I haven't found anything yet."
"You should have spoken to Sharen, she knows more about artifacts than anyone else among us."
"I did try, but she's been busy with something these past few days. I can hardly see her or Alex in the palace."
"Yeah, that's true. Even I noticed. I don't know what those two are up to these days. Anyway, don't worry, we'll figure out something," Rayan said, patting Liam's shoulder. Then, after a moment, he added, "By the way, what's happening between you and Lea these days? You both seem a bit too cozy."
Liam swallowed nervously and avoided eye contact.
"Liam?" Rayan spoke in a stressed tone.
"We're together..."
"WHAT? Are you out of your mind? You—"
"Before you say anything more, listen to me."
"What is there to listen to?"
"Though we're together, it's temporary, until she leaves. It's something we decided together. We both like each other but can't be together due to our own reasons so we thought we'd enjoy this dream for a few days, keeping all other things aside, and then go our separate ways once the time comes."
"And you think it's that easy? You can move on after tasting the fruit of love?"
Liam bent his head, sadness apparent on his face.
"I don't know what to tell you, brother... On one side, you're doubting her identity, and on the other, you've fallen head over heels for her."
Liam let out a weak, self-mocking laugh. "Why do you think I'm trying to find the truth, Rayan?"
Rayan became stiff, completely shocked, and pointed his index finger at Liam. "You..."
Liam gave a light smile in return. "I don't want to lose her, man. This is the first time I've felt something like this, and I want to try my best to hold on to it before I have to let it go.
I might succeed," Liam said as he turned back to look at Rayan and continued,
"Anyway, what is there to be scared about? If what I suspect is true and it is something Aunt Beth knows about and she's supporting Lea, it can't be bad, right?"
Rayan sighed again. "I just hope you're right, brother. I don't want to see you heartbroken later."
Liam nodded. "I hope so too..."