Page 45 of Innocent Until Proven Witch

Why?

Why does every road somehow lead back to Reina?

Why does Aldric keep pushing people toward the same conclusion?

And why does he seem so uncomfortable whenever someone starts asking questions?

I begin wondering what his end game is.

17

REINA

The archive door closes behind me with a soft thud, several borrowed records resting beneath my arm, my grandmother's diary sitting on top of the stack. The leather cover is worn smooth from years of handling. Iris practically shoved it into my hands. Not because she wanted it gone. Because she knew I would keep returning to stare at it anyway.

The afternoon air carries the scent of salt and approaching rain. I adjust the books and start toward the lighthouse, my thoughts remaining trapped inside the records. Storm witches assisted rescue efforts. Storm witches monitored the coastline. Storm witches⁠—

"Interesting."

The voice pulls me from my thoughts, and I stop. Aldric stands near the road, his expression carrying the same polite smile he always wears, the smile that somehow never reaches his eyes. I immediately wish I had chosen a different route home.

"Aldric."

His gaze drops to the books beneath my arm. "Research?"

I shift the records slightly. "Something like that."

His smile widens. "Still searching for ways to explain recent events?"

The question sounds harmless. It isn't. I've begun noticing that about him. Every conversation feels that way—nothing openly hostile, nothing obvious, just small pushes, tiny suggestions, always guiding people toward a conclusion. I never paid much attention before. Now I can't stop noticing.

I meet his gaze. "I'm looking for facts."

"An admirable goal," he says, the compliment sounding strange coming from him.

Aldric takes a step closer. "What have you discovered?"

I shrug. "Nothing worth discussing."

His eyes narrow almost imperceptibly, the reaction vanishing so quickly most people would miss it. I don't. Not anymore.

"That's disappointing," he says.

"Why?"

The question leaves my mouth smoothly. Aldric seems surprised, only briefly. "I assumed someone in your position would be eager to defend herself."

There it is again. Not an accusing tone. Just nudging… gently.

I tighten my grip on the books. "What exactly do you think I'm defending myself against?"

Aldric studies me. "The town's concerns."

I almost laugh. "The town's concerns seem to change depending on who's speaking."

His smile falters. The silence stretches, then he mutters, "You should be careful."

The warning arrives so smoothly it takes me a moment to recognize it. "About what?"