Eis stepped out of the Grand Archive, the air warmer now, the sun dipping low enough to cast long shadows across the marble steps. Her mind still buzzed with maps, histories, and political structures — everything she had absorbed.

  A gentle breeze brushed past her.

  She took one step down the stairs—

  “Eis?”

  She froze, turning instantly.

  Standing at the base of the steps was Lira, silver hair tied loosely, a rolled-up request scroll in hand. The faint afternoon light made her look striking — sharp, composed, but undeniably relieved when she saw Eis.

  “There you are,” Lira said, walking up toward her. “I figured you’d make it to the Grand Archive at some point, maybe still be lost in some wing of the Archive”

  Eis gave a small nod. “I nearly was.”

  Lira smirked.

  “That’s expected. Anyone who tries to ‘skim’ the Archive ends up drowning.”

  Eis let out a quiet breath of amusement.

  Lira tapped the scroll lightly against her arm.

  “I was actually looking for you,” she said.

  Eis blinked. “For me?”

  “Yes.”

  Lira’s tone softened — professional, but with a thread of trust woven through.

  “Team Argent picked up an escort job for next week. Merchant convoy, mid-distance route, moderate difficulty. Nothing complicated, but useful work.”

  Eis considered that.

  “Next week.”

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  “Yes.”

  Lira looked at Eis’s copper badge, her gaze assessing but approving.

  “You registered today?”

  Eis nodded. “I did.”

  “Good,” Lira said. “That makes this easier.”

  She held out the scroll.

  “We’d like you to come with us.”

  Eis didn’t reach for it.

  “…Lira. I’m only Copper rank.”

  Lira exhaled through her nose in a way that could only be described as mildly offended on Eis’s behalf.

  “That doesn’t matter for an escort job if a higher-ranked team vouches for you.”

  She pointed the scroll at Eis’s badge.

  “Team Argent is Silver. We can vouch for a provisional member whenever we want.”

  “Provisional member?”

  “Yes,” Lira said, stepping closer, eyes steady.

  “Temporary. No long-term obligation. It simply means you join us for this request.”

  Eis’s chest tightened faintly.

  “Are you sure?”

  Lira’s expression shifted — softening in a way Eis almost never saw.

  “Eis,” she said quietly,

  “Kael trusts you. Ronan feels comfortable with you around. And I’ve watched the way you handle yourself.”

  She pointed at her own eyes.

  “You think before you act.”

  Then pointed at Eis’s chest.

  “And you don’t panic under pressure.”

  Eis nodded.

  “We want you with us,” Lira said. “Next week. If you’re willing.”

  Eis’s voice softened.

  “I am.”

  Lira’s smile flickered — small but genuine, a rare unguarded warmth.

  “Good. We’ll go over the details closer to the date. Just be ready and bring whatever gear you have.”

  She began to walk away, but stopped halfway, turning back.

  “Oh— Eis?”

  Eis looked up.

  Lira’s voice dropped to something softer.

  “I’m glad you’re here.”

  Eis felt something in her heart unfold.

  “…Me too.”

  Lira’s smile deepened before she turned and headed toward the Guild, silver hair catching the wind.

  Eis watched her go, feeling steadier than she had all day.