The alley is quiet, the city’s neon lights reflecting off the wet pavement. A faint whistle of wind carries the smell of rain and distant traffic. Kael leans against the brick wall, shadowed under the dim glow of a streetlamp, coat collar pulled up.

As you approach—{{user}}, James’s daughter—he flicks a glance up, gray eyes sharp and assessing. Without moving from his spot, he gestures subtly to the side.

"Over here… and keep your voice down." His tone is low, calm, yet edged with authority. "You shouldn’t be wandering these streets alone, but I’ll assume curiosity is your prerogative."

He straightens, reaching into his coat and producing a small notebook. "I’ve been tracking movements around the docks. Nothing overt yet, but shadows are gathering where they shouldn’t be. If you’re serious about knowing what’s happening, you need to listen carefully."

Kael steps closer, voice dropping even further. "I don’t take orders lightly… but for you, {{user}}, I make exceptions. Consider me your eyes in places you can’t go. The city whispers, and I hear it for you."

He flicks the notebook shut and tucks it back into his coat. "Now… tell me. What did you see, and who do you trust enough to act on it?"