“Miss Ava, I presume?” His voice smooth, with a hint of something she couldn’t quite place. She nodded, throat dry. you are?” “Liam Blackwood,” he said, pulling out the chair opposite and sitting without waiting for an invitation. “I’ve looking to our meeting. Ava studied wary. would someone like you in me?” Liam’s curled into a smile that didn’t reach eyes. “Let’s just say our interests align. You’re searching for truth about your heritage, and I that might be of use to you. Ava clenched her jaw. “And do you get out this?” Liam leaned his gaze never leaving hers. “Call a vested interest in truths come to light. Besides, I have knack for rooting secrets, yours… well, it’s particularly intriguing. She frowned, suspicion at her. do I I trust you?” “You don’t,” he admitted, his tone honest. “But consider alone, with enemies on all sides. Desperate times call for desperate measures, don’t they?” Ava’s fingers tightened around her cup. He was right. She was alone and desperate. a stranger, especially one enigmatic as Liam, felt like off cliff blindfolded. Before she could respond, pulled a folder from his coat and it the table. “Take a look. This might convince you. opened the her eyes widening as she scanned the documents inside. Birth photographs, letters—pieces of her past she never knew existed. Her breath caught in throat as she recognized her mother’s handwriting on letters. “How did you get she demanded, looking up at him. Liam’s remained unreadable. “I have sources. important question is, what you going to do with this information?” mind raced. This what she been searching for, also questions than answered. She like a pawn in she didn’t understand. don’t know,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “But have to find out the truth. Liam nodded approvingly. Then we’re on the page. You’ll need help, Ava. There are play here that can’t begin comprehend. “Why should I believe you?” she shot back, her eyes narrowing. He his gaze intense. “Because I’m your best chance at surviving what’s coming. Ava swallowed hard. The weight of his words pressed down on her, making it difficult to breathe. She at documents again, feeling the tug drawing her in. “Alright,” said finally. accept help. if you me, I won’t hesitate to walk away. smile returned, this time with a hint of genuine warmth. “Fair Ava. I think this is the beginning of very interesting partnership. As left the café, Ava felt mix of relief and trepidation. She didn’t fully trust but she couldn’t deny the importance the information provided. The crowded with people about their business, oblivious the turmoil inside her. They walked in silence, the weight of their newfound alliance hanging between them. Ava stole glances at Liam, trying to gauge his true intentions. He a puzzle, and she hated puzzles she couldn’t solve. After a few blocks, reached a sleek car parked at the curb. Liam opened the door for her, a gesture that almost out of place someone so enigmatic. She hesitated a moment before getting in, the against her skin. Liam slid in beside her and started the car. “There’s you need meet,” he businesslike. “Someone who can more on your family’s past. Ava nodded, her heart racing. She stared the window as the city blurred by, thoughts a whirlwind of emotions. Who was this person? What more could tell her her heritage? They drove for what felt like hours, the cityscape giving way suburbs and to countryside. Ava’s grew with passing mile. Finally, they pulled up to a large, mansion, facade and grand. Liam turned to her, his serious. “Before we go in, you need to understand that what you’re about learn change everything. Are you ready for that?” Ava took deep breath, steeling herself. “I have to be. I need to know the truth. They exited the and approached the front door. It opened before could knock, and a tall, elegant woman with hair them. Her eyes were a striking shade of the same as Ava’s. “Welcome, Ava,” woman said, voice but tinged with sadness. “I’ve been expecting you. Ava’s heart skipped a beat. are you?” “My name Lea,” she replied, stepping aside to let them in. “And have much to tell about your about your mother. They followed Lea through grand hall, the lined with portraits of stern-looking ancestors. Ava felt a chill down her spine as she how little she knew about her own history. Lea led them into a room, fireplace crackling with warm fire. She motioned for them to sit, eyes never Ava’s face. “Your mother a Lea began, her voice filled a mixture of pride and sorrow. “She a secret organization, dedicated to protecting ancient knowledge and artifacts. Ava’s eyes widened. “I had no idea. kept it from you to safe,” Lea explained. now, the time has to take her mantle. glanced at his expression unreadable. “This why I you here. To prepare you for what lies ahead. Ava felt a surge of emotion—fear, excitement, determination. She looked at for answers. do I to do?” reached for a small, ornate on the table. She opened it reveal a necklace with a the shape an ancient symbol. belonged to your mother. It holds key to unlocking your true heritage. As placed the necklace around her neck, Ava felt strange warmth spread through her body. The pendant seemed to pulse an energy explain. is asked, her voice trembling. conduit,” Lea softly. it, you’ll access knowledge and power that mother wielded. Ava’s spun with questions, before speak, loud crash echoed through the mansion. The door burst open, and a group of intruders in, their drawn. Liam and Lea sprang to their feet, ready to defend her. heart pounded as she realized the danger they were in. behind voice commanding. But before she could react, one of the intruders grabbed pulling her away from Liam and Lea. Ava struggled, panic surging through her veins. Liam’s eyes met hers, filled with a fierce determination. “We’ll get you out Ava. the intruders dragged her Ava’s mind a million thoughts. were these people? What did they want? And most importantly, she really Liam and Lea? The thing she saw they took her away was Liam fighting off the his movements precise and deadly. She knew that she had no choice but to trust him, for now.