Their search for allies led them to a reclusive mage living in the remote Scottish Highlands, a woman named Alistair Thorne. Alistair was wary of outsiders, her trust hard-earned.
Oliver approached her with his usual directness, explaining the threats they faced. Isobel offered her knowledge of ancient magical lineages.
Michael, however, approached Alistair with a different tactic. He didn't reveal the full extent of his power, but he demonstrated a deep understanding of arcane lore, gleaned from his studies and his Libriomancy. He spoke of the balance of magical energies and the responsibility that came with wielding such power, subtly appealing to Alistair's own beliefs.
He also subtly probed her mind with his nascent telepathic abilities, a skill he had been secretly developing, to gauge her sincerity and her true motivations. He revealed carefully chosen fragments of his own connection to the island, enough to establish a sense of shared experience without revealing too much.
Alistair, sensing a genuine understanding and a hidden power within Michael, and recognizing the validity of their warnings, cautiously agreed to help them, offering her knowledge and her own unique magical skills. Michael's cunning involved not just deception, but also the ability to build trust through carefully measured honesty and subtle manipulation.