A new figure arrived in Starling City – a mysterious woman named Isobel Rochev, claiming to be an expert in ancient artifacts and occult phenomena. She approached the Queen family, offering her assistance in understanding the relics recovered from the Obsidian Hand.
Oliver was immediately suspicious, his instincts honed by years of deception. Michael, however, approached Isobel with a carefully measured curiosity. He used his enhanced senses to gauge her sincerity and his Libriomancy on ancient texts she carried to glean insights into her true motives.
During their conversations, Michael subtly tested Isobel, posing carefully crafted questions about arcane lore, observing her reactions and the nuances in her responses. He revealed small, seemingly insignificant details about his own experiences, watching for any flicker of recognition or hidden agenda in her eyes.
"These symbols," Isobel said, tracing the markings on a recovered artifact, "they speak of a powerful nexus point. A place of immense energy."
Michael nodded slowly. "The island," he murmured, feigning a troubled memory. "It felt… powerful."
In private, Michael warned Oliver to be cautious. "She knows more than she's letting on, Oliver. But she might also be a genuine ally. We need to tread carefully." Michael's cunning involved not just deception, but also the strategic assessment of potential allies and enemies.