We moved the conversation inside, away from gathered eyes, and it was there, in the small archive room with Mabel present and the pocket watch sitting on the table between us like an accusation, that Ronan finally laid out everything Silas's note implied, piece by careful piece.
He wants a formal exchange, Ronan said. That's what this is, dressed up as a courtesy. He's not just threatening you anymore, he's making an offer, and the fact that he's doing it through a physical token instead of another ambush means he actually wants you to consider it seriously rather than just scaring you into compliance.
What's he actually offering, I asked. Beyond information about Danny.
Mabel answered before Ronan could, her voice grave. Protection from the fade, most likely, she said. For you specific
