Status Updates From The Lock-Eater

It was just like a story, though with harsher stakes than Misty Steppe might navigate. Melanie couldn't help but wonder what awaited beyond the door. A cursed jewel? The staff of some powerful, long-dead wizard?
"While I don't have anything to hide," she said slowly, "I will agree to this deal as a show of my loyalty to the thaumacracy."
Parno rolled his eyes, but she sensed that he was pleased.

Reading this with my 9 year old! So far, so good. A little wordy, but he’s enjoying it.