---
THE JAMON ESTATE
The Main Mansion
Everyone ate their meal cautiously, stealing nervous glances at one another—except for Talmia, who enjoyed her food without a care in the world.
It was their second day in the Jamon household, and Qaya, Jaslin, Rivan, and Zachary were itching to know what came next.
Jaslin bit into a piece of steak, its juices dribbling down her throat. Rivan snorted and handed her a napkin.
After what felt like an agonizing silence, filled only with the clattering of cutlery and dishes, Qaya finally spoke.
"You got us here. Now, what's the next course of action?"
Talmia dropped her fork. It seemed as though she had been waiting for someone to ask the question. Rising from her seat, she pointed at Qaya.
"Walk with me."
Without waiting for a response, she strode toward her study. Qaya flashed an offended look at Talmia before giving her companions an apologetic glance and following.
Talmia'sStudy
"So? What's the next move?" Qaya repeated as she entered the study.
Talmia smiled, a glint of admiration in her eyes. "You're efficient, I'll give you that."
She leaned against her desk, fingers drumming lightly against the surface. "I'll give you a general idea of my plan. I've been investigating De Gei Jaune with the limited resources I have, and I stumbled upon something. The members of De Gei Jaune cause all this havoc because they're hungry."
Qaya snorted. "Please tell me there's more to that statement. They couldn't possibly be doing all this just for food."
"Oh, there's more." Talmia smirked. "And it would've been better if they were just starving for food—at least there's a limit to how much a stomach can handle. But alas, the greed of men knows no bounds. The people in this group are considered the pariahs of the Yellow Jay Association. Where others are efficient taskmasters and even better executors, De Gei Jaune are desperate. They believe that by causing enough destruction, they'll finally earn prestige and recognition."
"Knowing how Awin operates, that's the stupidest plan." Qaya frowned. "He hates attention and notoriety."
Talmia nodded. "Even I know that much. But I want us to capitalize on their hubris—wave it in front of them like a piece of meat before starving dogs."
Qaya leaned in, intrigued. "I'm listening."
"Let us—or rather, let me—give them the opportunity to rise within Yellow Jay."
"That way, we can place a mole in Awin's ranks without even the mole knowing they're a mole." Qaya finished, looking at Talmia with newfound admiration.
Talmia's smile widened. "Exactly. The Münchhausen tactic."
She moved to a drawer, retrieving something as Qaya watched, impressed. This woman was thorough. If this plan succeeded, it would be the biggest insult to Awin—and Qaya couldn't wait to see it unfold.
"I think you and I have just the person in mind." Qaya smirked.
Talmia returned a knowing smile, and the two chuckled.
---
"What are you doing?" Qaya asked, watching Talmia move around.
Talmia set down a tea set and a tray of assorted nuts.
Qaya raised an eyebrow.
Talmia grinned at her, almost giddy, like a girl about to share juicy gossip. "Come, sit. Ask whatever you want."
Qaya's eyebrows lifted even higher. "Wha—what are you talking about?"
"That was the deal, remember? The more you help me, the more I tell you."
She poured the tea, pausing as she continued. "Last night, the lieutenant's den of De Gei Jaune caught fire. This has left a significant hole in their structure and operations. While I'm in awe of your speed and efficiency, I'm also grateful—and I will uphold my end of the bargain."
Qaya glanced toward where her companions sat. She had no idea what Talmia was talking about, but she wasn't about to admit that. Best to take advantage of the situation.
"I can ask anything?"
"Yes, dear, anything." Talmia beamed.
"Where's Lord Jamon?"
Talmia's smile faltered. **"I wasn't expecting that. That's not what you sounded desperate for."
"You said I could ask anything," Qaya reminded her.
"Yes, yes, I did. I should have specified." Talmia sighed. "I'll answer you, since you've done your part—at least, to an extent. I must keep my word."
Qaya winced. "So… Lord Jamon?"
Talmia exhaled sharply. "That coward was distraught when the portrait of the Heretic was revealed. He accused me of betraying and undermining him—even though he knew damn well why I had to do what I did. He claimed he had to 'do his job' and bring 'the Heretic' to justice, but he couldn't bear to throw his own wife to the wolves. So, he took the easy way out and went into an indefinite retreat on some unknown island, refusing visitors or correspondence. He says he needs time to think. Spineless coward."
Qaya frowned. "Why does the Heretic exist?"
Talmia arched an eyebrow. "Were you not listening yesterday when I—"
"No, I mean, why did you have to operate under an alias? You have more influence as Lady Jamon—your words would carry more weight, more authority. And yet, you ironically hide behind a mask separate from your veil."
Talmia went silent.
Qaya continued. "The Heretic exists because you're too scared to bear the consequences of your own words. Talmia, aren't you also… a spineless coward?"
Talmia let out a short laugh. "Ouch. I didn't know my husband had such ardent supporters—or are you just angry with me?"
Qaya shrugged. "I can't say. But I will admit I'm a bit offended that you pulled me aside like you didn't trust my companions."
"I'm exercising the same caution anyone in my position would."
"You don't trust us," Qaya noted.
"I met them yesterday. You don't expect me to place my beating heart in their hands."
"Then what about me? There's something you're not telling me."
Talmia smiled. "When I told you to ask anything, I wasn't expecting this."
"Talmia, don't deflect."
Talmia sighed, finally relenting. "Okay. I don't trust them—yet. But I trust you because I... watched you grow."
Qaya's breath hitched. Her voice came out in a whisper. "You watched me grow?"
Talmia nodded. "Yes. At least, not in this body."
Qaya's chest tightened. She downed the tea, taking slow, measured breaths.
"What are you talking about? How do you know?"
"I know both of you—you and Mahalia. When I heard that Mahalia Heris was in Porto Jamon asking about the forbidden book, I suspected you were actually Qaya. But I wasn't sure until I met you. The moment you took the name 'Qaya'—that confirmed my suspicions."
Talmia exhaled. "Ah, Qaya… I used to despise that name. But after years, there was no word I would rather hear."
"Why did you hate my name?"
"Because your parents didn't give it to you. Qaya was the name of the experiment you were under. Hence the tattoo."
"Stop!" Qaya yelled, overwhelmed. Tears streamed down her face.
Talmia's voice cracked. "No, I won't stop. You need to hear this. You died, Qaya. And in a way… Mahalia died, too."
"STOP!"
Talmia didn't flinch. "Your body died. Now, you're occupying another's. Where do you think Mahalia is?"
Qaya's thoughts spiraled. Before she could respond, she opened the door—only to find a teary-eyed Jaslin.
"Jaslin?"
Before Qaya could say another word, Jaslin turned and walked away.
---
[Tobecontinued]