Page 53 of Innocent Until Proven Witch

Aldric nods. "Word travels quickly."

My stomach tightens. Last night's incident hasn't been public knowledge for long, yet somehow Aldric already knows. The realization settles quietly in the back of my mind.

Aldric sighs. "You've both placed yourselves in dangerous situations." His gaze moves between us. "I worry about what might happen."

The statement sounds sincere. Almost. Something feels off. I can't explain why. Only that the pieces don't fit together.

I study him carefully. "You've never seemed particularly concerned about me before."

The words escape my mouth. Aldric pauses, the silence stretching, then he offers a small smile. "I never hated you, Reina."

The answer surprises me. Not because I believe it. Because it sounds rehearsed, as though he's considered this conversation beforehand.

"Really?" I react.

Aldric nods. "I want what's best for Moonhaven."

There it is. The annoying propaganda of doing things for the greater good. .

Finn studies him quietly, then asks, "Why are you concerned now?"

Aldric turns toward him. "Because you're both taking risks." His voice remains calm, measured. "You investigate storms." His gaze shifts toward me. "You repair failing wards." Back to Finn. "You place yourselves in danger repeatedly."

The concern sounds reasonable. Almost persuasive. Yet the discomfort beneath my skin only grows stronger.

Aldric continues. "As head of the harbor council, I have a responsibility to protect the town."

Finn doesn't look convinced. Neither am I.

Aldric spreads his hands. "You should leave these matters to us."

The words settle heavily between us. Finn's expression becomes impossible to read, though I know him well enough now to recognize the warning signs. He's suspicious. Very suspicious.

Aldric mistakes his silence for consideration. A common error. "We can handle this."

Finn finally speaks. "Can you?"

The question hangs in the room. Aldric's smile falters. Only briefly. Then it returns. "Of course."

Finn tilts his head slightly. "Because from where I'm standing, things seem to be getting worse."

The lighthouse grows quiet. Aldric studies him, measuring, evaluating, the same way he always does. The conversation has shifted. The friendly concern remains. The warmth does not. I feel it immediately, the subtle tension beneath every word.

Aldric looks toward me. "If either of you encounters trouble, come directly to me."

The offer sounds generous, helpful. Yet something twists inside my chest, the same feeling I get whenever a storm approaches. A warning. Instinct. Deception.

I force a smile. "Of course."

Aldric seems satisfied, and moments later, he leaves. The lighthouse door closes behind him. Silence follows.

Finn waits and so do I. Neither of us utters a word until his footsteps disappear entirely.

"That was strange." he breaks the silence.

I nod immediately. "Very."

He crosses his arms. "What bothered you?"