Are you lying?

Mary, the grade 4 mind reader, stepped hesitantly into the office. Her eyes fell upon Sir Dominic, who sat across the room, arms folded tightly across his chest, his eyes dark and unwavering. The silence between them was thick and unforgiving, pressing down on her shoulders like a weight.

"Go wait outside, Kara. I need to have a serious conversation with Mary here," Sir Dominic commanded in a tone that brooked no argument.

Kara inclined her head slightly, giving a respectful bow before she slipped out of the office, the door clicking shut behind her. Sir Dominic's gaze shifted sharply to Mary, pinning her in place.

"Please, have a seat, Mary," he gestured to the vacant chair opposite him, his tone deceptively polite.

Mary obeyed instantly, lowering herself into the chair with a forced calmness, even as her heart began to thud uncomfortably in her chest. She swallowed, glancing at him warily.