The council chamber is prepared. Seraphina sits at the head of the table, flanked by Elder Corin, Master Voren, Master Lyra, and Elara. Aria stands to the side, near Seraphina, her expression tense as she watches the proceedings.

  Master Lyra, a master specializing in mental magic, stands ready to translate. A soft glow surrounds her as she prepares the mental link.

  Tara, in his wolf form, settles into place at the center of the room. Unolf stands behind him, alert and watchful.

  Seraphina looks at them. "Tara. We meet again. Master Lyra will communicate with you through mental magic and translate for us. Can you understand?"

  Master Lyra nods, then translates. "He confirms he can understand."

  Master Voren speaks, his expression neutral. "You escaped containment, destroyed tower infrastructure, and engaged in combat with Lady Seraphina. As compensation and to show you are trustworthy, you should let the kingdom harness your energy. Your safety will be ensured by the kingdom."

  Master Lyra relays the statement, then translates. "You don't need to worry about my safety. Besides, it's from you that I need protection as things stand. And regarding my actions—they were self-defense. You tried to capture me first."

  Aria's expression tightens slightly, her eyes fixed on Tara.

  Seraphina speaks, her voice calm and measured. "We didn't know your capabilities or intentions. This was necessary for the kingdom's safety."

  Master Lyra translates. "Safety comes from collaboration, and collaboration comes from trust. Trust must be built by both parties. Do you think your actions build trust?"

  "Your appearance is unusual," Seraphina says. "Anomalies are difficult to trust."

  Master Lyra translates. "Now you know that behind this appearance lies a consciousness like yours. So what will you do?"

  "We must ensure our kingdom's safety. Even if we don't capture you, there's no guarantee another kingdom won't use you and your pack against us," Seraphina says.

  Master Lyra translates. "Aren't you underestimating us? We're not as weak as you think."

  "You might be strong, but what about your pack?" Master Voren says, his tone analytical. "Anyone could hold your pack hostage and force you to comply."

  Master Lyra's expression stiffens, but she regains her composure and translates. "Anyone? Like the five mages you sent?"

  Shock spreads across the room. Aria's eyes widen, her hand moving to her mouth.

  "How do you know about this? You were under observation this whole time. Don't tell me you..." Master Voren's voice is sharp and agitated.

  Master Lyra translates, her voice steady. "They are captured by my pack, whom you consider weak. They are all safe, for now."

  "You dare threaten us!" Master Voren shouts.

  "Voren," Seraphina says, her tone warning. "Control yourself."

  Elder Corin speaks up, stroking his cat thoughtfully. "Tara, right? Why don't we start over? What happened was a misunderstanding. Perhaps some mistakes were made by our overzealous members. I apologize on their behalf."

  "Elder Corin," Master Voren says, his voice tight with frustration.

  "I'm sure there's much to gain through collaboration rather than conflict," Elder Corin continues, his tone cheerful. "A large kingdom's support has many benefits. And if there's something you want, we could likely help you obtain it."

  Master Lyra translates. "There are three things that I want. First, you will leave the forest area to me as my territory. Second, I will not harm any humans who enter the area, as long as they do not attack my pack. Third, you need to compensate me for attacking me and my pack."

  Master Voren's expression darkens. "Don't push your luck."

  Seraphina gestures with her hand.

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  Master Lyra translates. "I want to become a part of the Mage's Guild in Terra."

  Shock ripples through the room. Master Voren's eyes narrow, his expression hardening. "What do you intend to do by infiltrating the Mage's Guild?"

  Master Lyra translates. "I'm just curious. And my being here means we can start to collaborate and build that trust you mentioned."

  Seraphina considers this, then speaks. "We can agree to your first two demands and establish a non-aggression pact between us. However, the third demand—joining the Mage's Guild—is not something we can provide. It could have an impact on other members, and no master would be willing to take you."

  Elder Corin speaks up, stroking Fortune's fur. He looks at Tara and Unolf, a smile spreading across his face. "I will do it. Since I stopped taking apprentices, I've been getting bored. My Fortune and I could use some company."

  Shock ripples through the room. Master Voren's eyes widen, his composure cracking. "Elder Corin, you can't be serious!"

  Elara's expression shifts to surprise, her professional mask slipping for a moment. Aria's eyes dart between Elder Corin and Tara, her expression a mix of shock and curiosity.

  Elder Corin chuckles, still stroking Fortune. "Oh, I'm quite serious. It's been too quiet around here. A bit of excitement will do us all good."

  Seraphina studies Elder Corin for a long moment, then looks at Tara and Unolf. Finally, she speaks, her voice measured. "Very well. If Elder Corin is willing to take you as his apprentice, then we will accept your third demand. You will become a member of the Mage's Guild under Elder Corin's tutelage."

  "Lady Seraphina, this is a mistake," Master Voren protests. "We don't know his intentions."

  Seraphina gestures to Elara, who produces a scroll—a Binding Contract Scroll. She unrolls it on the table, and the parchment glows with magical energy. Runes appear on its surface, forming the terms of their agreement: the forest territory, the non-aggression pact, Tara's membership in the Mage's Guild under Elder Corin, and the return of the five captured mages.

  "Both parties must provide their energy to seal this contract," Seraphina says. "Violations will result in destruction of the mana network."

  "Wait," Master Voren says, stepping forward. "We should discuss this further. The implications—"

  "The decision is made, Voren," Seraphina says firmly. "Elder Corin has offered, and I have accepted."

  Seraphina places her hand on the scroll, and her magical energy flows into it. The runes flare brighter, accepting her contribution.

  Master Voren's expression is tight with frustration, but he falls silent, watching as the contract forms.

  Master Lyra conveys the instructions to Tara. Tara shifts to pyramid form. He channels a small amount of his energy into the contract. The runes flare even brighter, the magical binding completing as both energies merge.

  The contract glows with finality, the terms now magically enforced.

  Master Voren's shoulders slump slightly. He turns away, his expression grim.

  Aria's expression shifts to relief, a small smile forming. Elara's professional composure returns, though her eyes still hold a hint of surprise.

  Seraphina rolls up the contract scroll, her movements deliberate. "The agreement is sealed. The terms are binding. Now, about the mages..."

  Master Lyra translates. "They will be returned. I will have them brought here."

  Elder Corin smiles warmly, stroking Fortune. "I may not be energetic and passionate like in my younger days, but I've got experience in these old bones. I take you in as my apprentice! Welcome to the Guild, Tara."

  ********* Chapter end *********