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Talia said nothing.

That was somehow harder than interruption.

“I told myself the Crown restriction remained tactically useful because approaching royal authority could expose Veil operations and other operatives.”

She nodded. “That part is still true.”

“Yes.”

“But it wasn’t all of it.”

“No.”

Her gaze held mine.

I forced myself not to look away.

“I did not want to become visible again.”

Something moved across her face.

Not forgiveness.

Recognition.

“What does that mean to you?”

I almost rejected the question.

Instead, I answered. “It means questions.”

“From Anik?”

“Yes.”

“And?”

“Others.”

“Your family?”

I did not answer immediately.

Talia’s expression softened.

Only slightly.

“Yes.”

The word scraped on the way out.

She looked down for a second, then back at me. “You don’t want them to know?”

“No.”

The answer came too fast.

It was not accurate.