---
"This," she said softly, "is a Token of Cinder. They're rarely given. Fewer still accepted."
Zephyr eyed it but didn't move.
"What's it for?" he asked.
"It marks you," she said. "As one the Phoenix Ring is watching. A possible candidate for sponsorship. Entry. Influence. Training. Protection. You'll have access to facilities others can only beg for, and a seat at the table of Emberfall's power games. We don't offer this lightly."
"And what do you want in return?"
"A deal," she said simply. "You've earned eyes. That means risk for you and for us. We'd rather have you inside our halls than outside, making waves we didn't stir."
Behind him, Fenna shifted. Zephyr could feel the tension radiating off her. His eyes returned to the token, then to the woman. "So this is about control."
She smiled finally and this time, there was a hint of fire behind it. "It's about mutual benefit. But call it what you like."
