Corin exhaled, almost weary. “I warned you, Whispers Tower sells rumors, not facts. They saw two strangers in a hurry and fed you the first tale that would fatten their purse.” “Outrageous!” Flaxseed slammed his palm on the table. “We march back and make them pay. Every coin!”

Jared’s expression iced over. Losing the gems stung, but being toyed with stung far worse. “Elder, we’ll be right back…”

With that, and Flaxseed strode out, their footsteps clipped and lethal. Lyra glanced at Corin. “Should I stop him?” “No,” Corin replied, calm as still water. “A burnt hand learns quickest…”

Moments later, they reentered Whispers Tower. The same attendant waited by the marble counter. Surprise flickered across practiced smile when recognized the two men, but regained professional poise at once. “Sirs, how may I assist you?”

“A refund,” Jared said, each syllable clipped with frost. “Your information was false. Darkwind Gorge has nothing to do with Malevolent Path Hall.”

The attendant’s smile thinned. She shook head politely. “Our policy is clear. Once purchased, intelligence is non-refundable.”

“Policy?” Flaxseed barked a harsh laugh. “You sell lies, then hide behind fine print? I’ll tear this place apart!”