Ambroise moved to stand directly in front of Theo, close enough to touch. “You failed me once, tempest. You failed your people, your calling, what I made you for. I offer you redemption: the chance to become what you were always meant to be.” Their voice dropped to barely audible. “But if you fail again, if you let fear rule you as it did before, I will end you myself and begin again with someone else.”

“I understand,” Theo said, even though his hands trembled ever so slightly.

“Do you?” Ambroise asked. “Do you truly understand what it means to succeed? What will it cost? What will you become?”

Before Theo could answer, Ambroise turned away, dismissing us with a wave of their hand. “That’s enough. You know how much time you have. Come to me… or I will find another way.”

As we turned to leave, Ambroise’s voice started once more. “One more thing. When the time comes, remember this: the greatest acts of love often look like cruelty to those who don’t understand the stakes.”