Mythshaper

Chapter 57: Somnus' Reverie

With the Praetorian office only a few blocks away, Ashlyn wasted no time heading there to draw up the legal contract. It took a bit of time, considering how busy the offices usually were. Thankfully, she managed to complete it within an hour, having extensive experience with these legalities.

The contract was fairly simple. The gist was that Magus Prisca would lend them her relic, and in return, Ashlyn would have to craft her one artifact of the Dreamweaver’s choice. There was a standard term of delivery, as well as the terms being void if the relic was unable to resolve their requirements, meaning they would go through the negotiation once more accordingly if that incandescent bell failed to ward Arilyn’s nightmare.

The whole time, Arilyn watched her, his face thoughtful, as if something heavy weighed on his mind.

"What is it, pumpkin?" she finally asked, getting the contract approved with the Praetor’s seal on it.

"You’re going to make her an artifact just for lending me a relic for sixteen seasons?" he questioned, barely holding back his frustration.

"Yes," she said, wondering why that upset him so much. She stole a glance at Jinn, who scratched his cheek with an embarrassed smile.

"What is it?" she asked, cocking her eyebrows.

Before Jinn could say anything, Arilyn cried out, "You’re going to strip away your own essence threads to create the artifact again, aren’t you?"

"You’re worried about that?" Ashlyn said, waving a hand dismissively. "I thought it was something more concerning."

She let out a sigh, casting a sidelong glance at Jinn. Even with her caution, it seemed somethings were simply impossible to keep secret.

"It is concerning!" Arilyn snapped. "Your weave—it looks so imperfect, so asymmetrical, after you sacrificed your essence threads... Are you..."