With Daryl there, a businessman from River, a close friend of her House, and most importantly, a man with connections and influence in both River and Rivermirror, Emily's journey home was no longer impossible. He had gladly cut his business meeting short to escort her back.

In no time, Emily was cleaned up—her hair no longer stained with blood, her clothes no longer soiled, her body no longer stinking. Yet, the bruises and cuts from her ordeal in the underdeveloped city remained as painful reminders.

Outside the carriage were twenty seasoned, professionally trained guards. Inside, silence hung heavy, broken only by the occasional jolt from uneven roads. Daryl and Emily exchanged brief glances, tension simmering between them.

“Rivermirror is a big city. Rumors spread…,” Daryl said, finally breaking the silence.

“If you’re going to lecture me about how a proper woman should behave, save it,” Emily interrupted. “I’ve already learned my lesson.”

“As I was saying, rumors spread. It won’t be difficult to refute and twist any allegations of you being in the trenches, attempting to murder a child,” Daryl said firmly.

“I wasn’t trying to—”

“It doesn’t matter what you were trying to do, Em!” Daryl snapped. “All people saw was a raging woman after a child.”

Emily fell silent, her jaw tightening.

“What am I going to say to your father?”

She shrugged, her expression contrite.

“You were not that crazed woman. Such accusations are horrendous. A well-known young mistress of a House has no business dealing in the underworld. It was simply someone with a similar physique. A woman who has since been taken care of,” Daryl suggested. “People will believe it. Even your father.”

“And what of my father asking where I’ve been this entire time?”

“With my daughter, Mavis,” Daryl said without hesitation. “We’ll get you fixed up at mine when we get back to River. The Vitaecer will have you looking brand new.”

“You would do that for me?” Emily asked, her voice soft with gratitude.

“I’ve had my fair share of trouble,” Daryl admitted. “You grow up in River—peaceful, quiet—but then you hear of the things people your age get into in Rivermirror. It’s hard to stay away from the action. I get it. But next time, stay close to the border. It’s safer. You come this deep into Rivermirror, and it will eat you alive. You might not make it back out.”

“I didn’t come here for excitement. I was kidnapped,” Emily countered.

“Kidnapped? By who? Since when? Give me a name, and I will deal with them.”

“There’s no need. They’re dead. At least one of them is,” Emily said with a shrug.

“And the others?” Daryl pressed.

“Hound. You do business in Rivermirror, don’t you? How much do you know about him?”

“He’s a merciless mercenary,” Daryl explained. “Knows how to get a job done by any means necessary if paid enough. A necessary evil. But he maintains a low profile due to the enemies he’s made. He refuses to work with any River businessmen, so my knowledge is limited.”

“Why is that?” Emily asked, her curiosity piqued.

“Like I said, my knowledge is limited. Get some rest. At this rate, we’ll be home by noon tomorrow.”

(Later that evening)

Music: LIFETIME Chris Grey

Hound, battered and fatigued from his previous battle, limped through the smoke-filled streets. His charred skin cracked, revealing raw tissue beneath. The boy, unconscious and bound by ropes, dragged behind him, his body leaving a trail in the dirt. Each step was agony, yet he pressed on until he reached the clinic.

Swinging the door open, he was met by the sight of Argent and the Vitaecer hovering over bubbling acid. The room reeked of chemicals and tension.

“A package for me at this time of night?” Argent’s voice filled the space, her silver hair gleaming in the dim light as she turned to face him. Her gaze was predatory, assessing.

Hound dropped the rope, the boy’s body slumping lifelessly to the floor. He stood silent, his mind racing. Another Seer. Not just any Seer. Argent—a name whispered with both fear and awe.

“Who would have guessed a deal with Binge gone wrong would cause this much trouble, eh?” she said, chuckling darkly.

“Such are the complexities of doing business,” Hound replied, his voice hoarse.

“You’ve caught the eye of the organization. Both in a good and bad way,” Argent said, her tone shifting to something dangerous. “I’ve got good news and bad news. What would you like to hear first?”

“Bad,” Hound said without hesitation, his body tense.

Argent’s movements were fluid, almost hypnotic, as she crouched. Her silver braids seemed alive, reflecting the faint light as they extended. In one swift motion, they sliced the rope binding the Vitaecer.

“They want me to teach you some manners. This is the price you pay for your sins,” she said.

The Vitaecer screamed in terror, and Hound moved instinctively to protect him. But Argent was faster. Her knee struck his chest, and metallic braids pierced his shoulders and abdomen, pinning him in place. One braid hovered at his neck, poised to strike.

“Now that we’re even, all is forgotten,” she said, her voice soft but chilling as she cupped Hound’s face. “And now for the good news: a contract to become a Seer. Your skills will ensure a high rank. The only catch is obeying your superiors—me. Refuse, and I will kill you where you stand.”

Her expression was deadly serious, leaving Hound no room for doubt.

The Vitaecer, his face twisted in terror, let out a frantic scream. His screams turned to gurgles, then silence as the acid consumed him, leaving nothing but the acrid stench of burning flesh.