Months had passed since Confidant Haven opened its doors. Now, the secret business was no longer just a hiding place, but a phenomenon shaking the capital.
Word spread among the nobility about the mysterious place at the end of the West Road, where one could purchase the best listener and friend to hear their darkest secrets or free their damaged souls.
"Unbelievable," Lyra muttered one afternoon, counting the mounting gold coins on the old wooden table. Her nimble fingers seemed to dance among the glitter of the gold. "All those nobles came here, even a duchess and a noble daughter from the western palace! My Lady, this 'strange' business truly is profitable."
Althea gave a faint smile, but her gaze was restless. "Great profit always demands a high price, Lyra. The bigger the secret, the bigger the shadow it casts."
