Julian ignored Edmund entirely, his gaze remaining fixed on Emily. "Arcana City."
Emily blinked, a subtle drop of confusion touching her features. "What?"
"Arcana City," Julian repeated, a faint, intrigued smile touching his lips.
"You were there."
"I've visited Arcana City with my family before," Emily lied through her teeth.
"That hardly makes it memorable."
"No... it wasn't a family visit," Julian said softly, his eyes narrowing.
"It was near the central district. The Vault of the Arcana."
The ambient noise of the bustling transit, the distant chatter of arriving delegates, the rhythmic clatter of luggage—seemed to fade into the background.
Samantha felt a sudden, visceral spike of awareness, every nerve ending in her body tightening. She didn't dare move, but her eyes flicked sharp between Julian and Emily.
Every student of standing had heard about it.
