The revised contract terms spread across Lady Cordelia's mahogany desk like a declaration of independence written in legal language.

Ember traced her finger along the clauses they'd spent the morning negotiating—independent mission selection, limited social obligations, recognition as partners rather than assets. Each word represented a small victory against the gilded cage Marcus had tried to build around them.

"The chocolate biscuit provision seems excessive," Cordelia said, though her lips twitched with suppressed amusement. "Weekly deliveries of premium confections?"

"Non-negotiable," Pyra said firmly. "Morale is critical to performance."

"Frighteningly so," Kindle chimed in. "We get grumpy without proper treats. And then terrible things happen."

A flicker of concern crossed Cordelia's expression. "Terrible things, you say?"

"Terrible," Kindle confirmed. "You wouldn't want to see us grumpy, my Lady. And if chocolate biscuits prevent those dire outcomes, I'm sure you'd consider it a wise investment."

Cordelia suppressed a smile, refocusing. "The social obligation reduction seems reasonable. Two events per month instead of the current six. Though I must insist on maintaining priority for family emergencies."

"Define 'emergency,'" Cinder said from her position by the window, her gaze trained on the garden outside.

"Immediate physical danger to family members or critical threats to House interests," Aldric supplied from his chair. The former legion commander had spent the morning acting as mediator, his straightforward approach helping translate between noble expectations and adventurer pragmatism.

"That's acceptable," Ember agreed, making a note. "What about the mission selection clause?"

"Independent choice for Guild contracts, but House assignments take precedence when scheduled." Cordelia's tone suggested this was non-negotiable. "We're investing considerable resources in your team. Some return on that investment is expected."

"Some return," Ash repeated, looking up from her calculations. "The current arrangement demands approximately seventy percent of our operational time for House interests. We're proposing a maximum of thirty percent."

"Forty percent," Cordelia countered.

"Thirty-five, with performance bonuses for exemplary service."

"Done." Cordelia made the adjustment with elegant script. "What else?"

"Recognition as partners instead of assets," Ember said, shifting in her chair. "With all associated legal rights and privileges."

Aldric arched an eyebrow. "A broad demand."

"We're not your property," Ember insisted. "Our arrangement needs to reflect that."

"We invest considerable resources to support you. Partnership implies shared risk, yet you incur none personally," Cordelia pointed out. "Given those dynamics, the classification as assets is justifiable."

Ember tapped the contract. "That clause implies that we could be transferred or reassigned. We need assurance of autonomy."

Cordelia's quill hovered over the parchment. "Your phrasing is purposefully vague. How much autonomy?"

"Unrestricted," Ember replied.

Aldric's military posture straightened. "You're requesting release from obligations?"

Ember hesitated before Ash stepped in.

"We're discussing assurances, nothing more."

Cordelia's shrewd gaze flicked between them. "Assurances against what eventualities?"

"Possibly none," Ash offered, her calm demeanor never faltering. "But foresight seems wise, given recent experiences."

"Indeed." Cordelia's quill made several swift corrections. "We'll adjust the classification to 'substantial autonomy.' Still acknowledges our material support, but recognizes independent interests."

"I think that works," Ember agreed. "Anything else, team?"

The room remained silent, save for the sound of Pyra nibbling on a chocolate biscuit from their earlier negotiations.

"Contract revisions accepted," Aldric confirmed, exchanging nods with Cordelia. "We'll present finalized agreements after your meeting with Magistrate Cawel."

"The Magistrate?" Ember asked, leaning back in her chair.

"We were getting to that," Cordelia reassured her. "Before we continue, let me be perfectly clear: we support you unreservedly. Amaranth's politics can be... challenging, but we value our sponsorship of the Fractured Flame."

"We appreciate that," Ember replied, though uncertainty still creased her forehead.

"The Magisterium requested your attendance this afternoon," Cordelia explained, lacing her fingers together atop the revised contract. "There have been concerning reports from your recent mission, and they've identified... inconsistencies with the official narrative."

Aldric shifted. "Especially concerning your death."

Ember froze.

Ash snapped her ledger shut.

Kindle pressed a hand to her mouth.

Cinder nearly fell out of her window seat.

Pyra choked on her biscuit.

"What?" the quintet chorused.

"And... resurrection," Cordelia added delicately. "Or perhaps some form of rapid regeneration. Unclear, really."

"How..." Cinder cleared her throat. "How public are these rumors?"

"No official declarations yet," Cordelia assured them. "The Magisterium investigates quietly until facts are established."

Ember nodded, pale and tight-lipped. "It's... uh, yeah. It's a thing."

"A unique capacity," Cordelia noted, her tone inviting elaboration. When the response was silence, she leaned back. "Regardless of technicalities, Magistrate Cawel considers this development... intriguing."

"She wants us locked in her tower for experiments," Ash said flatly.

"No," Aldric corrected. "That's what she wants everyone to think she wants."

Cordelia gave a small, wry smile. "Beatrix is... intense, even by Magisterium standards. It serves her purposes for people to find her frightening. However, she's also a consummate professional with a genuine dedication to protecting Amaranth from magical instability. You possess unusual abilities. The Magisterium needs information to assess your... stability."

The tale has been illicitly lifted; should you spot it on Amazon, report the violation.

"'Stability,' she says," Kindle murmured.

"The Magistrate is... direct," Aldric acknowledged, "but ultimately reasonable. However, should you decide to resist official inquiries, I must warn that the Magisterium's investigative zeal would escalate markedly."

Cordelia nodded. "It's in everyone's best interests for the Magisterium to understand your nature. Ignorance breeds fear. Knowledge allows precaution."

Ember rubbed her temple, processing. "So, we're attending this meeting because..."

"It's better to cooperate fully than be seen as obstructing official inquiries," Cordelia confirmed. "It also demonstrates our—House Brightblade's—dedication to civic order."

Pyra twirled an errant spark between her fingers. "Why do I feel like this is more of a command performance than a negotiation?"

"Because it is." Aldric's honesty was bracing in its bluntness. "But consider: the Magisterium already regards you with great skepticism. Volunteering for review may help offset some preexisting biases."

Cinder gave a humorless chuckle. "They're suspicious of everyone. What's a little more scrutiny?"

Ember ran a hand through her hair. "This is all just... a lot. I don't think we're ready for public scrutiny of our... situation."

"Nonetheless," Cordelia continued smoothly, rising from behind her desk, "in the interest of transparency and civic harmony, your cooperation is appreciated. And expected." She offered Ember an envelope. "Here are the details. Prepare yourselves. Marcus will escort you shortly."

Ember sighed, taking the envelope as she stood. "Understood."

Lady Cordelia gave them a serene smile. "I must emphasize that our support of you remains steadfast through any legal or social challenges. Your well-being and reputation will be protected."

"We appreciate the vote of confidence," Ember replied, her sisters-selves giving small noises of agreement as they gathered around her.

Marcus appeared at the door, impeccably outfitted in his usual Brightblade ensemble. "If we're wrapping up, transport awaits."

The Fractured Flame exchanged looks.

Cordelia observed them, lips twitching with affectionate exasperation.

"You might wish to collect yourselves," she advised, gathering the proposed contract changes. "Magistrate Cawel will expect punctuality."

Cinder punched Marcus's arm the moment they were outside the Brightblade estate, her fist barely halting as it encountered the resistance of his padded surcoat.

"Ow!" Marcus protested, more out of obligation than pain, clutching his bicep. "What was that for?"

"For getting us involved with bureaucratic nonsense," Cinder muttered. "I thought we made it clear that you were on thin ice. Magical investigations are a whole glacier."

"Yeah!" Pyra added, delivering another smack to Marcus's other arm. "You got us into this, you weasel!"

Marcus staggered back, spreading his hands placatingly. "For the record, I had nothing to do with the Magisterium's summons. All I did was report your confirmed death after your lone wolf act fighting the hydra. This bureaucratic nonsense," he gestured widely, "is beyond my control or desire."

"Great," Kindle said dryly. "And that's supposed to reassure us?"

"It's supposed to illustrate that I am blameless in this endeavor," Marcus retorted.

"You're very blameworthy," Ash corrected quietly.

"I'm an innocent bystander in your schemes!"

"You're a collateral instigator at best," Cinder accused. "And a disaster at worst."

Marcus raised an eyebrow. "If I'm a disaster, what does that say about you?"

Cinder delivered another solid punch.

Marcus grunted, rubbing his arm. "Look, we can bicker about blame all day—"

"Or you can admit that you're an impulsive ass—"

"—but what matters is dealing with whatever interrogation Cawel has prepared," Marcus finished. "My mother seems fond of you, despite your best efforts, so I doubt she's throwing you to the wolves."

"The Magisterium has wolves?" Pyra asked nervously.

"Figure of speech," Marcus said, opening a door to the carriage yard. "Regardless, if they wanted you imprisoned or deported, they could just do it. An official summons means they need your cooperation."

The team piled into the carriage, settling onto plush velvet seats as Marcus took the opposite bench. The coachman rapped the ceiling, signaling the driver to depart.

"Why would they need our cooperation?" Ash asked.

Marcus shrugged. "Every investigation is different. Sometimes they need answers to establish if regulations have been broken. Other times it's to catalog new spells or magical items. They're less a monolith and more an amalgam of differing agendas."

"And what's Beatrix's agenda?" Ember inquired.

"Cawel is difficult to read," Marcus admitted. "She's always been strict but not zealously so. Maybe she wants to understand your... situation better? If the hydra encounter is the first documented evidence, she'll want the full story."

Cinder's gaze flashed to Marcus. "I swear, if you reported anything else..."

Marcus scoffed. "I only confirmed Ember's death after the battle, that's all. No mention of... unexpected returns from the afterlife."

"That's all?" Kindle asked.

"That's all. As a matter of fact, this is more your fault for not explaining everything in advance," Marcus quipped, pointing at Ember. "If I'd known you were essentially a phoenix, I probably wouldn't have reported your death so hastily. Saved us a world of headaches. So how's that feel, knowing this is your fault too?"

Ember stared out the window silently for a moment before answering. "It feels... really bad. Like I have a hole in my chest filled with acid and self-recrimination."

"What? No! Come on! You can't weaponize introspection against me! It's not fair!"

Ash sighed as Pyra turned, poking Marcus's shoulder.

"Have you considered," she asked, "not being an ass to us for once?"

"Being an ass to me! And I'm not being an ass, I'm being truthful! You're all acting like I'm the worst of villains, but you have to admit, this is partially your fault!"

Pyra poked him harder, her finger nearly burning his tabard. "Take that back, or I'll poke you again."

Marcus smacked her hand away. "Ow! You can't just assault me mid-argument!"

"You can't blame people for bad luck," she retorted, smacking the back of his head with an open palm. "Especially when you haven't earned it!"

Marcus flinched away, raising his voice to match her forceful tone. "I can blame people for being self-sacrificing idiots! And I still had nothing to do with the Magisterium getting involved."

"You did everything to do with that!" Pyra declared, smacking the back of his head again. "You abandoned Ember, reported her dead, and look where we are!"

Marcus raised his palms placatingly. "I only reported events as I understood them! I couldn't help that her death was temporary!"

Pyra smacked him again. "You're a terrible leader!"

Marcus exhaled through his teeth, each word like a dagger. "Look, maybe you're partly right that I shouldn't have ordered withdrawal. I messed up. I've never had someone fight an A-Rank monster alone and return to lecture me about it. It surprised me!"

"Maybe apologize," Cinder suggested flatly.

"I'm... not good at that."

Ash's eyebrow quirked up. "Humility is a useful tool during a crisis."

Marcus groaned, burying his head into his hand in exasperation. "I'm the laughingstock of my family, a disappointment to my team, and now you're trying to reform me?! It's too much!"

"Give it a try," Kindle said. "I bet it feels good."

Marcus grumbled something unintelligible as he prepared himself mentally. Finally, he glanced up at them from behind his splayed fingers, reluctance evident in every syllable as he forced himself to get the words out.

"...Sorry."

The women exchanged looks.

"What was that?" Ember prompted.

Marcus huffed, louder and more pointed than the deepest sigh. "I said, 'Sorry.' I shouldn't have abandoned you. The decision was mine, and I accept responsibility."

"Were you... actually apologizing?" Pyra whispered.

"Yes," Marcus groaned. "A genuine, heartfelt expression of guilt."

"Should we clap for you?" Cinder deadpanned.

Marcus stiffened. "...You could acknowledge the effort I made to grow as a person and a leader."

Ember nodded, sitting back. "Thank you. That must have been difficult for you."

"Very difficult." Marcus collapsed against the carriage cushions, staring at the roof.

The carriage rattled on with only the sound of the horses' hooves and the creaking of the axles as accompaniment. After a few minutes of silence, Marcus roused himself with another long sigh, straightening back into a more upright position.

"So, did my apology earn any gratitude, or—"

"Apology is a bedrock of civilized society, Brightblade," Cinder drawled. "Don't get an award for doing the bare minimum."

"Alright." Marcus raised a finger. "Firstly, 'Brightblade' is the family name. Secondly—"

The carriage lurched to a halt. Outside, the glittering spires of Central Tower jutted skyward.

"—we're here," Marcus finished sheepishly, glancing out the window.

"Do we have a plan?" Ember asked as the carriage door swung open. "Or are we winging it?"

"Given the circumstances, improvisation may be our strongest ally," Ash reasoned. "We just have to remember how we dealt with Beatrix during our last meeting. The same principles should still apply."

"Honesty and humility," Pyra supplied.

"But not too much," Cinder added. "We don't want to get thrown in a cell."

"Best behavior, then," Kindle agreed.

Ember nodded and drew a steadying breath. "Okay, then. Time to face the music."

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