"Spillover staging," Thalatha said. "We run the exit like a brood mouth. Placards on both sides, skeleton backs in place out of sight, nurse rota on water."
Aeren nodded. "Agreed." He looked at Mikhailis. "Conditions."
Mikhailis lifted a palm. "Escort me with two scouts only to the first relay post." He spoke calmly. "No monster assets topside in your camp. The ones that obey me stay masked, perimeter only. I will carry a debrief packet for Silvarion Thalor and leave a sealed copy with you."
"Return window?" Aeren asked.
"Seven nights for first mirror. Fourteen to return in person unless a crisis chain blocks the road." He let his eyes go to Thalatha, not to Aeren. "I answer to her while inside your lines. Outside, I answer to your law when it reaches that far."
"So long as he answers," Aeren said. It was not a joke. It was the right clause.
"I like rules when they save people," Mikhailis said. "I'm lazy in that way."
