"Look," he said softly, "I know you have no reason to trust me. But I'm not here to arrest you or turn you in. What you did back there... it goes against everything I've been taught about dark magic..." He looks at her confused and curious. 

Malia's eyes narrowed. "And what makes you think I have any answers for you?"

Eli ran a hand through his tousled hair, a gesture that made him seem suddenly vulnerable as his blue eyes shined in the moonlight. "Because in all my years as an enforcer, I've never seen anyone use dark magic to save a life. It's impossible. Yet you saved me….why?."

A moment of silence stretched between them, filled with the distant sounds of the city at night. Malia weighed her options carefully. Every instinct honed from years on the run told her to flee, to disappear into the shadows, and never look back. But a small part of her, the part that had always yearned for answers about her mysterious powers, whispered that this might be her only chance to learn the truth.

“ Because I couldn't just let you be killed by that monster…” Malia takes a breath wondering if her need for knowledge is greater than her regard for safety. 

"If I agree to talk," Malia said slowly, "how do I know I can trust you?"

Eli's blue eyes met hers, steadfast and sincere. "You don't. But I give you my word as an enforcer that no harm will come to you tonight. And if at any point you feel threatened, you're free to leave. I won't stop you."

Malia considered his words, searching his face for any sign of deception. Finding none, she made her decision.

"Your word as an enforcer is likely to get me killed…. But alright you get 2 hours," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "But not here. Too exposed."

Eli nodded, understanding the need for discretion. "I know a place. A neutral ground where we can talk safely."

As they set off together through the winding streets, Malia remained on high alert, ready to disappear at the first sign of trouble. But beneath her caution, a glimmer of hope began to take root. For the first time in her life, she might finally get some answers about who – and what – she truly was.