Zelda stood tall as Chief Santos approached.
"Strategos Zelda," Santos called out to her. "We got your emergency call. You said you found the missing students?"
"Yes, ma'am, in the basement. But they said the other students were taken somewhere." Zelda's voice caught. "But we couldn't find them when we checked the lab."
Santos's jaw tightened. "And you discovered all this how?"
Zelda hesitated.
In her mind, she saw the Blue Reaper come across, cradling Alessia like she was made of glass.
She saw how his efforts had saved people and thought keeping him hidden from the bigger mystery and any further scandals was the least she could do to preserve what little peace he may have.
"I was investigating on my own," Zelda said. "Following up on a lead about closed religious sites. I found this cathedral and discovered the operation."
"Alone?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Santos studied her face. "That was reckless."
"I know but students were dying. I couldn't wait."
