“With all due respect, Elite Zeke, shut up,” Elite Gwen says.

“Third,” I say pointedly, glaring at Elite Ezekiel. “I want to be trained as a shadow knight.”

“That is absurd! You are not Valryn. We cannot teach you!” he argues.

“Why not? Is there something that prevents me from using your weapons? Will the hilts burn my hands if I touch them? Will the world come down around us if you spill the secrets of your weapons’ mastery?”

Man, I love mocking the Order.

“I don’t see the problem,” Mr. Val says. “I can easily add weapons training to her schedule. She should fight like us, especially if she is to patrol. She will be a liability otherwise, or worse, she’ll just keep using the Thread of Fate as a weapon.”

I meet his gaze, shocked that he sided with me.

Thank you, thank you, thank you.

His eyes say: Don’t thank me yet.

“We will grant these requests, Eurydice,” Elite Cain says. “Are you finished?”

“No,” I say, smiling. “I have rules for how you are to use my powers.”

No one says a thing, so I continue.

“Resurrection coins aren’t to be kept by the Order, even for research purposes,” I say, looking directly at Roth. “I will never be used as an assassin, and I am on the side of good. If I feel you have corrupted your purpose, I will no longer help you. Are we understood?”

No one responds, but I smile anyway and say, “Great. Should I draw up the contract myself?”

“Contract, Eurydice?” Elite Cain doesn’t sound surprised, just tired.

“Yes, it will be harder for you to twist any of our agreement if it is in writing, not to mention it’s likely you’ll remember my requests better in the form of a contract you must sign.”

“We will draw up the contract, Eurydice,” Roth says. “After all, we have expectations of you as well.”

I don’t like that, but at least it means they are accepting my terms. “Very well, but I plan to read it thoroughly.”

“As you wish. Is that all, Eurydice?” Elite Cain tries again.

“Just one more thing,” I say, standing. “I told you I wanted to choose my own knights. I will offer those names now: Jacobi Quinn, Natalie Rivera, and Shy Savior.”

“Eurydice, the three knights you chose are in training, not to mention on probation.”

I shrug. “We go to school together. They’re my friends. They are least likely to cause suspicion. No offense, but one of you hanging out around me is going to look creepy.”

Elite Cain pinches the bridge of his nose. I like the idea that I might give him a headache.

“I will discuss it with the commanders,” he says.

I want an answer before I leave, but I figure they’re running out of patience fast.

“Thank you,” I say.