Round 22 Transcript

I skim the contract quickly, looking for traps. The language is slick, full of promises and loopholes. 'Protection' could mean anything from keeping me warm at night to binding my soul. I glance up at Halie—her protective stance is touching but unnecessary right now—and then back to Jeane. "You're offering a lot," I say slowly, "but I need specifics. What exactly does this protection entail? And more importantly..." I tap the paper, "what's the exit clause?"

I step closer to Silra, my voice low but firm. "Wait. You can't trust what's written there." I glance at Jeane, barely concealing my disgust. "She offers protection? She's the reason we need it. Think about what you're signing away."

Silra, don't listen to her seductive promises. The cost will be your freedom. My hand rests on my mace, not quite gripping it yet. I'm not here to fight Jeane—I'm here to protect Silra from herself. But if the succubus takes one more step toward my friend...