Back in the mortal world, Elara sat before the Monroe & Monroe board, her hair still damp from the Veil's frost. Nathan stood behind her, glancing between the board members and her pale face.
"We've received acquisition offers," one executive said. "The company's revival has caught attention. Three conglomerates have expressed interest."
Elara's eyes narrowed. "They smell blood in the water."
"We're not bleeding," Nathan snapped.
"We could use the capital," another muttered.
Elara's fingers tightened around her pen. "Let me be clear. Monroe & Monroe is not for sale."
"What happens when your magic runs out?" someone scoffed.
She stood, the room dimming slightly.
"It doesn't run out. It grows. And I've seen what comes next if we're not strong enough to fight it."
Her voice rang like a bell.
The room fell silent.
Later, in her office, Nathan sat beside her, rubbing his temples.
"Half of them don't believe in magic. The other half are terrified of it."
"I don't need them to believe," she said. "I need them to obey."
He looked up, brows raised. "That's new."
She smiled bitterly. "Then they'd better get used to the new me."