After reviewing the stats carefully, I let out a long breath. “This monster is really awesome,” I said, letting my genuine gratitude come through in my voice as I turned to the lycan woman. “Thanks, Astrid. That’s a really big favor.”

When she didn’t answer, I looked over to her and saw her cowering near the wall, her eyes flicking from side to side apparently in search of the disembodied voice of Kyrine. It was strange to see such an incredible warrior looking so afraid.

I didn’t like it.

If we were going to work together—me, Kyrine, and the agents—then we needed to sort out the relations between Astrid and Belinda, and Kyrine. Kyrine had mentioned the Fateweaver, and the potential destruction of earth. It was clear that we needed to all be a team together, and I wasn’t up for having any friction in the relationships in the mansion that might hinder our progress. We needed to trust one another fully.

Sudden conviction filled me. I was the Keeper, and this was my role.

Well, there was no time like the present.

“There’s something else I want you to do, Kyrine,” I said seriously, looking up at the ceiling.

“Anything you ask,” Kyrine’s disembodied voice purred.

“You and Astrid didn’t exactly get off on the right foot. I want you to promise you won’t harm her ever again.”

“Must I promise this?” Kyrine seemed a little put out.

I glanced at Astrid, who seemed unsure.

“Yes,” I replied sternly to the dungeon core. “I am your Keeper, and you have to obey me. I command you not to harm her , or even threaten her, ever again. We all must be friends and colleagues here, working together for the good of the dungeon and the world. That’s my decree as the Keeper. Is that clear?”

“As you wish,” Kyrine said. She sounded a little sulky, but I could feel that she meant it.

There was a strange thrumming along my bond with Kyrine, like a note on a plucked guitar string. I could feel that the bond between us was strong, and that if I decreed it, Kyrine had no choice but to obey. That was a great power, and as every comic book fan knows… With great power comes great responsibility. I would need to use my power over Kyrine for good.

I turned to Astrid. “See? Kyrine is not so bad. We can all be friends here.”

There was a slight ‘harrumph’ from the disembodied voice, then Kyrine said, “I’ll go and continue work on your bedchamber, Jeremy.”

I was about to say something when Kyrine spoke again. To my immense satisfaction, it was Astrid she addressed, not me. “Thank you, Astrid,” she said, a little stiffly, “for the gift of the creature core. It has added a much-needed upgrade to the mansion’s database.”

Then she was gone.