Chapter 116: Exposed [4]
The silence following that sudden voice was almost holy.
For a long heartbeat, neither Gileard nor Michael moved. The inspector's once-lethal aura evaporated into the air, leaving only the faint shimmer of golden mana fading around his shoulders.
Michael's lungs finally remembered how to breathe, dragging in sharp, shaky gulps.
Then, she stepped fully into the light.
Silver hair spilled down her back, catching the glow of the mana lamps. The familiar shade—soft as moonlight, with the faintest blue tint near the ends—was unmistakable. Her eyes, calm yet sharp, surveyed the room like they were assessing a battlefield. The faint clink of armor followed her as she moved, each step composed and deliberate.
Michael's jaw dropped slightly.
"Aria…?"
The word slipped out before he could stop it.
She turned her head toward him, her expression softening just enough to confirm his guess.