Round 23 Transcript

I skim the contract faster than Halie can finish her sentence, my eyes tracing lines of legalese I've seen before but never quite like this. 'Protection' usually means chains in demonic contracts—what kind is she offering? The exit clause catches my attention next; no vague loopholes here. Jeane watches me with that unnerving stillness demons have when they're waiting for something important. My fingers hover over the contract, not quite touching yet. "Protection from what exactly?" I ask without looking up. "And this 'ecstasy' you mentioned—is there a physical limitation to how much of it I can handle? Because last time I checked, my mortal body has limits even your kind can't override."

I stand between Silra and Jeane's predatory gaze. 'Protection?' I repeat, voice sharp. 'You offer what we already possess—freedom from your kind's contracts.' My eyes flicker between them both. 'And "ecstasy without limit"? There are always limits when the price is your soul.'

Silra's hand trembles slightly as she lowers the contract. She meets my eyes, her own uncertain but clear. 'Halie, I...' Her gaze shifts to Jeane and back. 'What if it's real? What if this could give us all we need?'