Chapter 165.3 - Fine
Astron's calm gaze met Irina's as he leaned slightly forward, resting his forearms on his knees. "Indeed," he said evenly, his tone carrying that quiet weight that always made her listen. "The assailants were clear in their objective—they were after you. But this wasn't just about you personally. They were the first link in a much larger chain."
Irina's amber eyes narrowed slightly as she straightened in her seat. The exhaustion still tugged at her, but her curiosity and determination quickly overshadowed it. "You mean the ones who hired them."
Astron nodded. "Exactly. Operatives like these are pawns—useful, but expendable. They were given just enough information to complete their task, but most of them wouldn't know who's pulling the strings."
Irina leaned back again, crossing her arms as her mind began working through the implications. "But their leader… the one giving the orders. He'd know. Or at least have a better idea."