I fold my arms across my chest and frown. I'm not so sure about this. It sounds simple. But when has anything been as simple as it sounds?

"I'm going to need your answer," Vioda says. "Immediately." She shows her sharpened teeth with a predatory smile. "I've found it best not to refuse me."

"I'd seriously consider her offer, Namonai," Maximón urges. Yeah, yeah; calm yourself, little god. Just because she's got you wrapped around her finger doesn't mean she'll be pulling my strings. But...it is a lot of money. Well, a lot to me. Okay, it's enough money. Enough money to even consider taking the job.

"I say we do it."

I turn to Icarus. "You don't say that out loud!" I hiss to him. He shrugs, wheeling forward.

"My name is Icarus, and it's a pleasure to meet you Vioda," he says with a courteous smile, extending one hand. Vioda shakes it and returns his smile. I don't like this one bit. "We would be happy to perform any job you ask of us."

"Speak for yourself," Esilea grumbles, running a hand through her short hair. I look to Wikolia, who hasn't moved this whole time. What a surprise.

"How much was it again?" The Wyvern asks.

"A medallion and a half, each," Vioda answers. She's quite proud about that number, isn't she?

Wikolia flicks her tongue out at the resistance leader's response, pausing for a moment. I'm really not sure if I want to do a job for the Last Brigade. I know I technically just did a job for them, but I didn't know it. And sure, they're doing some good things for the city, but you can't just rebel against the monarchy without any consequences. Eventually, the queen will take notice of their little insurrection. If I help them, where would I be then? Dead. Probably dead. The queen doesn't take traitors lightly.

"That's about one month's rent, yes?" Wikolia whispers to me. Naiomi gives me a discount on the rent; I'm just that charming. And also because I do what she says without complaint. Alright, some complaint.

"Yeah, about. Why?" I answer.

"We'll do it," Wikolia says confidently. Shit. I'm dead now, so dead. Well, no point in making it a tie.

"Yeah, I guess...I guess we'll do it," I tell Vioda. She nods and hands Icarus a small scroll.

"Be at that location tomorrow night. Don't be late." Her expression switches from prideful to serious in an instant. "The consequences would be grave if you were to fail."

Maximón leans forward. "I suggest you don't fail," the tall Immortal advises.

"Thanks, I got that," I say, tone dripping with sarcasm. Maximón's eyes glint dangerously in the light at my words. Okay, time to go.

"We'll be there," Wikolia assures them while I yank the scroll from Icarus' hands. You got us into this mess by agreeing off the bat, boy. You don't get to hold the map.

"And we'll see ourselves out," I say with a small bow. It's still courteous to bow, right? I can't really curtsey. I tug on Esilea's arm and she begrudgingly follows me out, the Wyvern in tow.

"I'll be right out guys," Icarus says from the office. He looks quickly at Vioda. "I have something I need to discuss privately." Hmm, suspicious indeed. Honestly, I don't like him staying back, not one bit. Private meetings never go well for those outside of them. And I've been in a private meeting or two myself. I'll just have to investigate after I get us all out of this alive.

Esilea obviously isn't happy about the situation, but I'll have to handle her later. Right now, I have a bigger challenge: getting a drunk Kitsune home without anybody dying.

I make my way over to the couch. She's still passed out, empty bottles and glass littering the floor. I wrap one of her arms around my shoulders, pulling her up. "Come on, upsy daisy," I say, gently standing. Damn girl, you could afford to lose some weight.

"Where..." Naiomi swallows a bit of vomit, "where are we gooooin'?" I sigh, helping her to the door, her feet dragging on the floor.

"Home."