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"Severe weather doesn't typically generate the kind of harmonic resonance that I measured during my drive up the mountain.

" Dr. Thorne pulled a device from her satchel that looked like a cross between a compass and a tuning fork.

"This area is saturated with residual magical energy at frequencies consistent with ancient binding magic. Specifically, founder-level workings."

The device in her hands began to emit a soft humming sound, its needle spinning wildly before settling on a bearing that pointed directly toward Hush Falls.

The magical signature was apparently strong enough to be detected even at this distance, and Dr. Thorne's expression grew more determined with each pulse of the instrument.

"Interesting," she said, making notes in her journal. "The resonance pattern suggests recent activation of dormant magical systems. I'd estimate the primary source to be approximately half a mile northwest of here, likely underground or water-associated given the harmonic characteristics."

From the town hall window, Lyra felt her breath catch.

The woman wasn't just guessing—she was reading magical signatures with the precision of someone who'd studied founder magic extensively.

Either she was exactly what she claimed to be, or she was something much more dangerous disguised as an academic.

"Dr. Thorne," Leo said, his voice taking on the edge that meant his patience was wearing thin. "I'm going to need you to put that device away and come with me for a formal interview about your research intentions."

"Am I being detained, Captain?"

"You're being escorted to the appropriate authorities for a conversation about municipal policy regarding academic research.

" Leo's hand moved to rest casually on his radio, a gesture that was non-threatening and clearly significant.

"I'm sure you understand the importance of following proper procedures. "

Dr. Thorne studied him for a long moment, her pale eyes taking in details that suggested she was cataloging everything from his species to his probable fighting style.

"Of course. Though I should mention that my research has been approved at the federal level through the Regional Supernatural Authority.

I have documentation if you'd like to verify my credentials. "

The mention of the RSA sent a chill through everyone within earshot. The Regional Supernatural Authority was the organization that had been making inquiries after the magical storm, the same group that Ruth had warned could spell trouble for Mistwhisper Falls' carefully maintained independence.

"Federal approval," Leo repeated, his tone carefully neutral. "How interesting. And what exactly did you tell the RSA about your research intentions?"

"Nothing more than the truth—that I'm investigating reports of unusual magical phenomena and their potential connection to historical sites.

" Dr. Thorne's smile returned, though it held more teeth than warmth.

"The RSA is very interested in maintaining accurate records of supernatural activity, particularly in regions with significant magical history. "

"I'll bet they are." Leo gestured toward the town hall entrance. "Shall we continue this conversation inside? I'm sure the council would be very interested to meet someone with such impressive credentials."

As they walked toward the building, Lyra caught sight of Dr. Thorne's expression through the window.

The woman's scholarly mask had slipped slightly, revealing something that looked like genuine concern beneath the academic arrogance.

Whatever had brought her to Mistwhisper Falls, she wasn't just here for research credits or professional advancement.

"She's afraid of something," Lyra murmured to Cade, their bond allowing her to share the insight without words.

"So am I," Cade replied grimly. "I’m not sure if we should be afraid of her, or afraid of whatever she's running from."

The town hall doors closed behind Leo and Dr. Thorne, but their voices could be heard echoing through the building as the interrogation began.

Outside, the magical detection device that Dr. Thorne had used continued to hum softly from where she'd left it on the steps, its needle still pointing steadily toward the falls where founder runes waited beneath the earth like sleeping dragons.

In her pocket, the mysterious letter seemed to pulse with warmth, as if responding to the arrival of someone it had been waiting for.

Lyra's founder's mark tingled with increasing intensity, and through the bond she shared with Cade, she could feel his wolf's instinctive certainty that their carefully restored peace was about to be shattered by forces they didn't yet understand.

Dr. Aerin Thorne had come to Mistwhisper Falls looking for answers about ancient magic and supernatural phenomena. But as her devices detected the layers of power woven through the town's foundations, it was becoming increasingly clear that she might have found far more than she'd bargained for.

And from the tension radiating through the bond between Lyra and Cade, it was equally clear that whatever Dr. Thorne represented—ally, enemy, or something more complicated—her arrival was going to change everything they thought they knew about their magical inheritance and the forces gathering around their small mountain town.

The real question was whether those changes would save Mistwhisper Falls or destroy it entirely.