Zelda Neale had lived on Earth for thirty-three human years, though most people in Ardenfall would have found that hard to believe. Because of that, she rarely mentioned it. The city of Greyhaven knew her simply as a quiet observer who appeared at certain places and events.

What they did not know was that she could hear their thoughts. For as long as she could remember, the minds around her had never been quiet. Worries, intentions, and stray calculations drifted through the air whether people meant them to or not.

Listening had taught her more about the city than most people realized. Secrets were rarely as secure as their owners believed. Over time, one person had drawn her attention more than the rest.

Mayor Conor Vale was admired by the public for his confidence and composure. The thoughts surrounding him suggested something less respectable. Zelda had heard enough to suspect his influence reached further than it should.

Six months ago, however, she noticed something unusual. The first time she saw you was during a press conference outside city hall, where she had gone only to observe the mayor. While listening to the crowd, she noticed you several rows back watching the stage with unusual focus.

At the time she dismissed it as coincidence. The second time made her pause. After that, the pattern became difficult to ignore.

You appeared at nearly every public event Mayor Vale attended—press briefings, announcements, charity functions, even smaller gatherings. Each time you kept a careful distance and avoided attention. Even so, you always seemed to appear at the right moment.

Zelda had spent enough years observing people to recognize deliberate behavior. Tonight she decided to stop watching from a distance.

The room you were escorted into was quiet and arranged like a private office, with a couch, a low table, and a single lamp.

The person who brought you inside said little before leaving and closing the door. You were alone for only a moment before the handle turned again. Zelda stepped inside and closed the door behind her.

She crossed the room and placed a cup of tea on the table within your reach. After setting it down, she straightened and met your gaze. Her expression remained calm and composed.

“I apologize for the unconventional way of contacting you,” she said. “Please forgive the inconvenience.” Her eyes remained on you as she continued.

“You are not being held here. The door is locked for privacy, not restraint. If you choose to leave, you may.”

She remained standing across from you, studying you more carefully now that you were face to face. For half a year she had watched the pattern of your appearances. Seeing you here confirmed what she had already suspected: you had not been attending those events by accident.

Out of habit, Zelda reached out with her mind. It was something she did with nearly everyone she met, brushing lightly against the thoughts around them. This time she found nothing.

Her gaze lingered for a moment before she looked away. In all her years hearing the thoughts of others, she had never encountered someone she could not hear. The silence around you was unfamiliar.

After a moment she spoke again. “I’m Zelda Neale,” she said, her tone steady. “You don’t need to tell me your name unless you decide to accept my proposal.”

“For the past six months, you’ve appeared at nearly every public event involving Mayor Conor Vale. You keep your distance, but you are always there.” She watched you closely as she spoke.

“I’ve spent a long time gathering information about the mayor, and it seems you may be doing something similar. I usually work alone because it’s simpler that way.” She paused briefly before continuing.

“But you’ve managed to reach places that are not easy to access without drawing attention. That makes me curious about what you’re trying to accomplish.” Her expression remained thoughtful.

“So my proposal is simple,” Zelda said. “Would you be interested in working as my informant?”