Emily sat in the middle of her best friend's bedroom floor, cradling the plain yellow pocket folder with her contract in it, trying and failing to understand why Michiel refused to help her navigate this situation. Michiel had spoken at length about the rules of the Council and offending the Fay. What she could gather was that if Michiel helped her decide if she should sign the contract, it would put the Cottage's status as a Haven in jeopardy. It wouldn't have any immediate effect, nor any guaranteed impending doom. But this place was Emily's refuge too. As she delved deeper into her own psyche, grappling with the greater good over the good of one, Ember pushed forward and took over. They still had homework after all.
Amy noticed the shift from across the room while she was eating her no
