Still, Arthur wasn't without alternatives.
If it became absolutely necessary, he would take on the mission under a different identity, hidden behind the mask. Let the world see only results, not the hands that shaped them.
But that was a last resort.
For now, he would stand firm and do everything he could to bring Seraphina over to his terms.
His frown conveyed exactly what he thought of that arrangement. Power Guild's reputation couldn't afford to appear subordinate to other organizations.
Image matters. Perception shapes reality after all.
Seraphina's smile suggested she'd anticipated this reaction. "If you want, you can take the mission from our guild without completing it under our name. Independent contractor status."
Seraphina agreed to compromise, but Arthur knew that for such a compromise, there had to be a hidden condition..
Arthur's interest sharpened. "Continue."
"But," Seraphina's tone carried new negotiation weight, "I have a condition."
