"You aren't a porter... or are you one?" Gran's voice was laced with a thick layer of scepticism as his eyes darted back toward Ary.
He was mentally replaying the "Pride disciple's" earlier denial, trying to reconcile the conflicting information. He looked at William again, searching for any crack in the boy's polished, calm exterior.
William watched the Elder closely. His intent behind the questioning wasn't merely to kill time; he wanted to gauge the moral compass of the man leading them. So far, Gran had made a positive impression.
He lacked the sneering, demonic arrogance that Ary had warned them about back at the academy. However, William was a realist.
He knew that once they reached the Patriarch's inner hall and the truth of his role in Berry's recovery came to light, his status would shift. The dynamic would become complicated by debt, politics, and family secrets.
