In Queens Borough, within the Hall Family's luxurious villa, in the Reception Room with floor-to-ceiling glass windows.
Audrey sat beside the coffee table, her gaze fixed on the woman opposite her. Though she appeared to be only in her twenties, she was flamboyantly and seductively dressed. The woman lit a candle, its flame an eerie pale blue. Though it was only a thin wisp, it cast the entire Reception Room in the same color.
"Hello, Miss Hall. Let me introduce myself. I'm Daly Simone, a police consultant and a somewhat accomplished Spirit Channeling."
Her lipstick was close to the candle's color, and she wore heavy eye makeup in the same shade. Her self-introduction came in a low, unhurried voice, making Audrey reveal a hint of confusion and curiosity.
"A Spirit Channeling? The kind from legends that can communicate with souls?"
She appropriately displayed some knowledge of mysticism, as the other party had surely investigated her before speaking with her.
"No, that's merely the public explanation. In truth, I'm someone skilled at reading expressions and detecting others' weaknesses. For instance, I know that your current expression is only an act. You've actually met real Beyonders, haven't you?"
Daly took out a small bottle and dripped its liquid onto the blue candle flame. It let out a sizzling sound as the liquid evaporated, and a fragrance that calmed the mind entered Audrey's nose, causing her genuine display of "panic" to subside slightly.
"H-how did you know..." Audrey, whose disguise had been exposed, seemed somewhat stunned. Her tone carried uncertainty. "I have indeed met several Beyonders. They were Seers and Apothecaries. I've also longed for such things, but please don't tell my father. He has always wanted me to stay away from them."
"Please rest assured, this is only a private conversation. I