"You..." A soldier behind the councilman glared at her.
"Alright, if Miss Thorne isn't lying, I'll agree to apologize to you. Let's start now." The councilman gestured invitingly.
Melody Thorne placed her hand on the device, internally reciting the Heart Clarity Spell.
She must stay calm, she absolutely must remain calm.
"Miss Thorne, I'll ask you one more time, have you actually seen this item?" The councilman raised the painting again, prompting her to look at it and answer.
"No," Melody Thorne replied crisply, "I haven't seen it."
Several soldiers eyed the lie detector; if someone lied, the device would certainly react, but after Melody Thorne spoke, it remained motionless.
"Really haven't seen it?" The councilman squinted.
"No!"
Melody Thorne withdrew her hand, calmly stating, "Now, can my name be cleared? Councilman, you and your people must apologize to me."
The councilman's eyes shifted to the soldier beside him, his face ashen.
