[center][img]https://i.imgur.com/aoKbDQP.png[/img][/center]

Before she could talk any more with the ghost twins, Eliza suddenly flinched when the red rogue called her. Literally, telepathy-wise. Seems with everything that was going on, the witch had forgotten to contact Veronica.

 [Color=mediumpurple]"U-Uh, I'll be right back!"[/color] She told the others, then stepped away to answer her communicator bow. [Color=mediumpurple]"My apologizes, Veronica. I didn't want to bother you if you were busy."[/color]
 
 [color=#bd71e8]“It’s been weeks, Eliza.”[/color] Even if she couldn’t see Veronica’s face, it wasn’t hard to picture her disinterested eyes gazing down at her. [color=#bd71e8]“Regardless, I did not call to lecture you. Are you aware of what’s happened between the Mint and I?”[/color] 

[Color=mediumpurple]"Not exactly. You've separated from the group, right?"[/color] Eliza asked.

[color=#bd71e8]“That is the short version, yes. I did not trust the Mint, and they saw fit to cut me lose and my life short. I may have stolen some of their assets, but that’s part of the long version of the story. The version you don't have time to hear.”[/color] A pause. [color=#bd71e8]“The fact that they haven’t told you anything isn’t good Eliza. If they want to kill me, they probably want to kill you too.”[/color] She could hear the sound of papers being shuffled around. [color=#bd71e8]“Are you in a safe place? Is Maura Natalie present?”[/color]

[Color=mediumpurple]"I'm at the Golden Trove Hotel. I managed to bypass any detection from the Ascendancy with my illusion magic."[/color] Eliza explained, walking to her room. Before she could mention Maura, both her and Veronica could hear the renegade's voice in their heads. [Color=crimson][i]Don't worry, I'm always connected to my witches, same as you.[/i][/color] the witch could catch a glimpse of her patron hidden in a shadow. [Color=crimson][i]If something happens, I'll be a step nearby.[/i][/color]

[color=#bd71e8]“So she’s always connected. Hmmmm.”[/color] Veronica hummed. [color=#bd71e8]“Eliza, you are currently standing before a crossroad. One way leads to Mint, another to Maura, and another to me. You must choose who you are going to serve and quickly. Depending on how you respond depends on how my agents and I will regard you moving forward.”[/color]

[Color=mediumpurple]"Three way, huh...?"[/color] Eliza though for a moment. She didn't want to serve the Ebon Mint any longer, that's for sure. But then, that left Maura and Veronica. The witch was reminded of what she told Penny before, that she wasn't ready to leave her first patron 'till her curse was lifted. 

With that in mind...

[i][Color=crimson]Veronica, I'll allow Eliza to serve under you instead. On one condition though. Let me help you and your girls from time to time.[/color][/i] Maura spoke up.

[Color=mediumpurple]"Are you sure?"[/color] The witch looked back to the renegade.

[i][Color=crimson]I trust her with you. Besides, I've taught you all you needed to know.[/color][/i] her patron smiled to her.

There was nothing on Veronica’s end for a moment, but Eliza could sense she was content. [color=#bd71e8]“Of course, lady of the Styx. I understand you need to be protected, and I will see to it that you are offered protection from any available agents. So long as Eliza and you both recognize me as your leader.”[/color] There was a chuckle before she continued.  [color=#bd71e8]“I must stress this isn’t something you can just change your mind about later.”[/color] A contract appeared in front of both Eliza and Maura. [color=#bd71e8]“Make sure you’re ready to accept the terms.”[/color]

[Color=crimson][i]Understood.[/i][/color]

[Color=mediumpurple]"Right!"[/color]

Maura stepped out of her shadow next to Eliza, and formed a quill pen in both their hands. [Color=crimson]"Ready?"[/color]

Eliza nodded. [Color=mediumpurple]"Let's do this."[/color] With that, they both signed.

[color=#bd71e8]“Hmm?”[/color] Veronica’s tone was inquisitive. [color=#bd71e8]“Oh, I suppose you’re unfamiliar with contracts of this nature.”[/color] She cleared her throat. [color=#bd71e8]“They don’t really work if you sign them with ink. You need to, well, perhaps I should just show you.”[/color]
 
Eliza could feel something pull her backwards before digging its teeth into Eliza’s shoulder. It was Veronica. It was unclear how she had appeared so suddenly, but her bite was hard enough to stain her lips and teeth with Eliza's blood. Before Maura could even react, Veronica turned into a black fog and leaped in front of the patron. She prompty manifested, with one of her fingers stroking the woman’s cheek. She wiped the blood off of her mouth with Eliza’s contract. [color=#bd71e8]“They need to be signed with blood.”[/color] Veronica’s retractable sword extended just enough to cut into Maura’s cheek. A single droplet of blood rolled down to her chin, which the red rouge caught with the tip of her tongue before tracing it across Maura’s contract. [color=#bd71e8]“Ahhhhhh...”[/color] She chuckled before pulling both of the girls into a hug. [color=#bd71e8]“I forgive you.”[/color] She rested her head on top of Eliza’s hat. [color=#bd71e8]“Eliza, welcome back. Maura, welcome to the cradle.”[/color]

[Color=crimson]"Huh...blood contract. Nice touch."[/color] Maura wiped off the remaining blood from the cut on her cheek. Eliza shrugged off the bite, hugging Veronica back a bit shyly. [Color=mediumpurple]"T-Thanks."[/color]