That morning, in the Central Tower, a glimmer of understanding crossed Rafelia's eyes when she heard that Velin had come to visit.
Lena had visited his estate yesterday and had not left until evening.
Rafelia knew perfectly well what her niece had been doing all that time.
Now the Moon Knight had come to visit. Something must have changed.
Led by a guard, Velin and Kyle entered the tower's reception room.
Rafelia rose to greet them. "Moon Knight, Lord Kyle, did you rest well yesterday?"
"I did," Velin replied with a smile.
Behind him, Kyle nodded slightly in agreement with his lord.
"Please, sit."
"After you."
Once they were seated, Velin did not immediately ask about Octavia, and Rafelia showed no intention of steering the conversation that way.
Sitting to one side, Kyle watched them chat. His mind was calm, and he appeared entirely composed.
Throughout their conversation, Velin kept watching Kyle's expression. When Kyle showed no sign of speaking up, Velin felt a little helpless, though he could hardly blame him.
"Lady Rafelia, do you remember our agreement yesterday?"
"Of course," Rafelia answered with a smile.
"I have my answer today," Velin said. "Yesterday, I guessed Lena was either your daughter or your cousin. Today, my answer is that she's your niece."
"That is the right answer," Rafelia replied gently. "Lena took the liberty of disturbing your rest yesterday. I apologize on her behalf."
"It was no trouble," Velin said. "Lena and I got along well. We also spoke about a few things from her aunt's past."
Rafelia lifted her teacup and took a sip, then listened as Velin continued.
"Yesterday, Lena said her cousin died eleven hundred and forty years ago. My brother's grandfather also once said he lost him eleven hundred years ago. Those dates seem far