Chapter Thirteen

  Dawn painted the Exchange in hues of rose gold and amber as Deirdre made her way to the eastern gate. The halls were quiet, most Collectors still wrapped in sleep's embrace, leaving her footsteps to echo softly against the ancient stones. She had slept fitfully, her dreams filled with shifting runes and doorways that led to endless staircases. The memory of the iron gate with its mysterious inscriptions lingered, the connection to her key undeniable.

  Orsafi perched on her shoulder, the carbuncle's fur gleaming in the early light. Her gem pulsed with steady energy, as if sensing Deirdre's apprehension about the day ahead. The weight of the key against her chest was a constant reminder of the secrets waiting to be uncovered—secrets that would have to wait while she fulfilled her promise to Milani.

  Deirdre adjusted her pack, making sure her collection tools were properly organized. She had packed with extra care, aware that today would be different from her usual solitary expeditions. Working with a team meant adjusting her methods, her pace, perhaps even her principles. The thought made her stomach twist with uncertainty.

  The eastern gate stood before her, its ornate archway framing a gathering of figures. Milani was already there, her signature black outfit immaculate despite the early hour. She stood with her arms crossed, deep in conversation with three others who must be her team. They turned as Deirdre approached, four pairs of eyes assessing her with varying degrees of curiosity.

  "Right on time," Milani said with a hint of surprise. "I half expected you to bail."

  "I keep my promises," Deirdre replied simply.

  Milani grinned, some of her usual sharpness softening. "Well, since you're here, meet the team." She gestured to the woman standing beside her. "This is Thea, our tracker. She can find a needle in a haystack, underwater, in the dark."

  Thea stepped forward with a warm smile that reached her amber eyes. Her red-gold hair was pulled back in an intricate braid that cascaded down her back, decorated with small trinkets that chimed softly when she moved. Her frame was lithe but strong, her movements fluid and purposeful.

  "Milani exaggerates," Thea said, her voice musical with a hint of laughter. "It would have to be a very large needle." Her gaze drifted to Orsafi, and her eyes widened with delight. "Oh my stars, is that a carbuncle? I've only ever seen them in old manuscripts!"

  Before Deirdre could respond, Thea was already cooing at Orsafi, her fingers gently reaching out. The carbuncle chirped happily, gem pulsing brighter at the attention. Deirdre felt a small tension ease in her chest. Anyone who showed such immediate care for Orsafi couldn't be all bad.

  "And this is Vex," Milani continued, indicating a burly man with a shaved head and an easy smile.

  Vex stepped forward, extending a hand that dwarfed Deirdre's own. His grip was firm but careful, his palm callused from years of work. His face was weathered, with laugh lines around his eyes that spoke of a life lived fully. A network of old scars crisscrossed his forearms, souvenirs from countless expeditions.

  "Don't let the muscles fool you," he said, his voice surprisingly gentle for his size. "I'm actually the sensitive one. I cry at sunsets." He winked, and Deirdre couldn't help but smile despite her reservations.

  The third member of the team stepped forward without waiting for Milani's introduction. He was tall and lean, with dark hair tied back neatly and intelligent eyes behind wire-framed glasses. His clothes were more practical than fashionable, multiple pouches and vials attached to his belt in methodical order.

  "Kellan," he said simply, offering a small, precise nod instead of a handshake. "I specialize in magical properties and preservation techniques. Your work in the Frozen Reach was impressive. Not many Collectors could stabilize a domain on the verge of collapse."

  Deirdre tensed slightly, wondering how much the Guild had shared about her experience in the unstable domain. "It was mostly luck," she said carefully. "And Orsafi helped."

  "Hmm," Kellan said, his eyes narrowing slightly as though he caught the deflection. "Still, impressive."

  "Right, introductions over," Milani declared, clapping her hands once. "We've got a schedule to keep. The Shimmerdeep waits for no one, especially not when Vex needs to be back for his weekly grooming appointment."

  "It's a haircut," Vex protested, running a hand over his smooth scalp. "And it's not my fault some of us care about our appearance."

  "You literally have no hair!" Thea laughed, finally tearing her attention away from Orsafi.

  "Exactly. Perfection takes maintenance," Vex replied with dignity, though his eyes danced with humor.

  Deirdre watched their exchange, noting the easy familiarity between them. This wasn't just a team that worked together—they were friends. The realization made her feel even more like an outsider, even as Thea cast her a warm, inclusive smile.

  Milani produced a Domain Key from her pocket. Unlike Deirdre's twisted black-and-silver key, this one was crafted from pale blue crystal, its surface etched with flowing patterns that resembled water.

  "Shimmerdeep Caverns," Milani explained, noting Deirdre's interest. "One of the most spectacular underground domains you'll ever see. Our client is a Keeper specializing in subterranean labyrinths. He needs crystalline formations for a new level and some specific fungi for ambient lighting." She twirled the key between her fingers. "Simple job, good pay, minimal danger. Perfect for your debut with the team."

  "I'm not joining the team," Deirdre reminded her. "This is just—"

  "A trial run, I know," Milani finished with a dismissive wave. "Keep telling yourself that." She turned toward the gate, inserting the crystal key into an ornate lock set into the frame. "Everyone ready?"

  The team nodded, falling into what was clearly a well-practiced formation. Vex moved to the front, his large frame providing a buffer against whatever might await them. Thea shifted to the side, her sharp eyes already scanning for tracks and signs. Kellan stood slightly back, a collection journal already open in his hands.

  "Stay close," Milani told Deirdre. "First time in a new Domain can be disorienting."

  The key turned with a soft click, and the gate began to shimmer, its solid form dissolving into a swirling portal of blue-tinged light. Beyond, Deirdre caught glimpses of darkness punctuated by points of ethereal luminescence.

  Vex stepped through first, followed closely by Thea and Kellan. Milani gestured for Deirdre to go next, her expression softening slightly. "Don't worry. We look after our own."

  But I'm not one of yours, Deirdre thought, even as she stepped forward into the swirling portal. The familiar sensation of Domain transition washed over her—the brief moment of weightlessness, the tingling rush of foreign magic against her skin, the momentary disorientation as her senses adjusted to a new reality.

  And then she was through, standing in darkness so complete it seemed to press against her eyes. For a heartbeat, panic fluttered in her chest—then, gradually, pinpricks of light began to appear. Not stars, but something equally wondrous.

  "Welcome to the Shimmerdeep," Milani's voice came from behind as she stepped through the portal. There was unmistakable pride in her tone, the pleasure of showing off a favorite place.

  As Deirdre's eyes adjusted, the cavern revealed itself in breathtaking detail. The ceiling soared overhead, lost in shadows, but dotted with thousands of tiny quartz crystals that glimmered like stars. They seemed to respond to sound, brightening slightly when voices disturbed the silence, then dimming again—a living constellation beneath the earth.

  The floor of the cavern sloped gently downward, carved by ancient waters into smooth, undulating shapes. Pools of still, black water reflected the crystals above, creating the illusion of endless depth. Along the edges of these pools, delicate formations of minerals created natural terraces in hues of cream, rust, and amber.

  Most striking of all were the fungi that grew in clusters throughout the cavern. Unlike the dull mushrooms of surface worlds, these were things of ethereal beauty—glowing softly in shades of blue-green and violet, their caps translucent enough to reveal the gentle pulse of bioluminescence within. They cast enough light to navigate by, bathing the cavern in a dreamlike glow that transformed ordinary stone into something magical.

  "It's beautiful," Deirdre breathed, unable to contain her wonder.

  "Wait until you see the lower chambers," Thea said, her voice hushed with appreciation despite having visited many times before. "The crystal formations there look like frozen music."

  Vex had already moved ahead, his large frame somehow graceful as he navigated the uneven terrain. "Focus, people," he called over his shoulder. "We've got a job to do. Admire the scenery after the client pays us."

  Despite his practical words, Deirdre noted how his gaze lingered on a particularly striking formation of crystal spires that caught the bioluminescent light and split it into rainbows that danced across the cavern walls.

  "He's right," Milani said, though her tone was gentle. "Let's get oriented and make a plan. Kellan, what's our inventory list?"

  Kellan opened a small, leather-bound journal, its pages glowing faintly with enchantment that illuminated his precise handwriting. "The client requires three varieties of bioluminescent fungi, with intact mycelial networks to ensure propagation. Specifically, he wants the Azure Veil for its blue light, the Violet Lamprey for purple illumination, and if possible, the rare Starweep that produces shifting colors."

  "And the crystal formations?" Milani prompted.

  "Quartz-based with high magical conductivity," Kellan continued. "Preferably the formations known as Dreamer's Breath—the ones that respond to sound and emotion. Also, any unique crystalline specimens that would enhance an underground labyrinth aesthetic."

  Milani nodded, turning to Thea. "Where do we start?"

  Thea had already knelt by the edge of one of the pools, her fingers brushing the damp stone with a tracker's sensitivity. "The Azure Veil thrives near water but not in direct contact with it. We should follow this pool system eastward. The deeper chambers to the west will likely yield the crystal formations we need."

  "Alright," Milani decided. "We'll start with the fungi, then move deeper for the crystals. Standard formation, standard protocols. Remember, we're on a schedule."

  Deirdre watched as the team moved into action with practiced efficiency. Each seemed to know their role perfectly, requiring minimal communication. Thea led the way, her sharp eyes catching signs invisible to others. Vex followed, carrying the heavier collection equipment with ease. Kellan moved methodically, cataloging and documenting each aspect of the environment in his journal. Milani oversaw it all, making minor adjustments to their course with quiet commands.

  The well-oiled machine of their teamwork made Deirdre acutely aware of her status as an outsider. She followed a few paces behind, Orsafi still perched on her shoulder, observing more than participating. After years of working alone, the synchronized dance of a collection team was foreign to her.

  "You don't have to hang back like a shadow," Thea called over her shoulder, her smile audible in her voice. "Come up here with me. Another pair of eyes is always helpful."

  Reluctantly, Deirdre quickened her pace to walk alongside Thea. The tracker's movements were fluid and precise, her attention constantly shifting between the ground, the walls, and the subtle changes in air current.

  "You've never worked with a team before, have you?" Thea asked, her tone curious rather than judgmental.

  "Is it that obvious?" Deirdre replied.

  Thea laughed softly. "You move like someone used to making all the decisions. Plus, you keep looking surprised every time one of us does something without being told." She paused, head tilting as she examined a patch of dampness on the wall. "Working alone has its advantages, but so does having people to watch your back."

  "I suppose," Deirdre conceded. "I just prefer the solitude. Domains feel... more personal that way."

  Thea's amber eyes flickered to her, unexpectedly perceptive. "You actually care about them, don't you? The Domains, I mean. Not just as places to harvest things."

  Before Deirdre could respond, Thea stopped abruptly, her hand raised for silence. She pointed to a recessed alcove where a cascade of glowing blue fungi draped from the ceiling like a luminous veil, their light reflecting in ripples across the surface of a small pool below.

  "Azure Veil," she announced. "Perfect specimen, too."

  The team gathered around, assessing the find. The fungi hung in delicate sheets, each paper-thin cap overlapping the next to create a flowing curtain of light. The entire colony pulsed gently, as if breathing in time with the cavern itself.

  "Beautiful," Kellan murmured, already sketching it in his journal. "The mycelial network is extensive. It must be quite old."

  "How do we extract it?" Deirdre asked, eyeing the fragile formation.

  Vex unshouldered his pack, pulling out a set of specialized tools. "You'll see," he said with a wink. "We're professionals."

  Deirdre watched as the team prepared for collection. Vex assembled a framework of slender rods, creating a support structure. Kellan mixed a solution in a glass vial, its contents glowing faintly. Thea prepared a series of preservation containers, their interiors lined with material similar to the alcove's stone. Milani stood back, supervising but allowing her team to work without micromanagement.

  "The standard approach is to sever the formation at the base and transfer it whole to the preservation containers," Kellan explained, noticing Deirdre's interest. "The solution I've prepared will keep the mycelium viable during transport."

  As Vex positioned his tools to begin cutting, Deirdre stepped forward, unable to contain herself. "Wait."

  The team paused, turning to her with varying expressions of surprise.

  "If you cut it that way, you'll severe the primary nutrient channels," Deirdre explained, moving closer to the formation. "See these slightly darker veins in the mycelium? They're the main pathways for nutrient distribution. Cut those, and the entire colony will begin dying within hours."

  Kellan frowned, leaning in to examine the area she indicated. "You're right," he admitted after a moment. "I didn't notice the differentiation in the network."

  "How would you approach it?" Milani asked, her tone carefully neutral.

  Deirdre hesitated, aware of crossing an invisible boundary. These weren't her team, and this wasn't her expedition. But the thought of watching them damage the beautiful fungi unnecessarily overrode her caution.

  "If I may?" she said, reaching for one of Vex's smaller tools. He handed it over, his expression curious.

  Deirdre approached the fungi with careful movements, Orsafi jumping down to watch from a nearby rock. "The key is working with the colony's natural structure, not against it," she explained as she gently probed the edge of the formation. "See how it grows in segments? If we separate it here, and here"—she pointed to nearly invisible seams in the growth pattern—"we can take what we need while leaving the core intact."

  She demonstrated, her fingers deft as she delicately separated a section of the glowing veil. The fungi released with minimal resistance, its light dimming only slightly as she transferred it to one of Thea's containers. The remaining colony adjusted, the gap already beginning to fill with smaller growths.

  "This way, the colony survives and will regenerate what we've taken," Deirdre explained. "The client gets healthier specimens that will last longer, and the Domain retains its balance."

  There was a moment of silence as the team considered her method. Deirdre braced herself for dismissal or argument. Instead, Kellan pushed his glasses up and nodded thoughtfully.

  "Fascinating approach," he said. "I've never considered working with the structural integrity of the mycelium in that way."

  "It's also slower," Vex pointed out, though his tone held no criticism.

  "But more sustainable," Thea added. "And if the specimens last longer, it's better for the client too."

  Milani studied Deirdre with an unreadable expression. "Show us again," she said finally. "In detail this time."

  For the next hour, Deirdre demonstrated her collection techniques as they harvested the Azure Veil. To her surprise, the team was receptive, asking thoughtful questions and adapting their methods to incorporate her approach. Soon they had filled several containers with healthy specimens, leaving the main colony intact and already beginning to recover.

  "Not bad," Milani admitted as they packed away the containers. "Different from how we usually operate, but... effective."

  "It's just a different perspective," Deirdre said with a small shrug. "When you work alone, you learn to think about the long term. If I damage a Domain, I'm the one who suffers when I return."

  "Makes sense," Vex said, nodding. "Though I still think my way is faster."

  "Your way is always faster," Thea teased. "That's not always a good thing."

  "Hey!" Vex protested. "I've never had complaints before."

  "That's because they're too polite to say anything to your face," Kellan said dryly, not looking up from his journal.

  The friendly banter continued as they moved deeper into the cavern system. Deirdre found herself relaxing slightly, drawn into the team's rhythm despite her initial reluctance. They made their way along a series of interconnected pools, the ceiling gradually lowering until the star-like crystals were close enough to touch.

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  They found the Violet Lamprey growing in clusters along the walls of a narrow passage, their cap-less forms resembling purple tentacles that reached toward any movement. Again, Deirdre's careful harvesting technique proved valuable, allowing them to collect healthy specimens while preserving the colony.

  As they worked, conversation flowed naturally, with the team gradually including Deirdre in their easy back-and-forth.

  "So, Deirdre," Vex said as he carefully sealed a container of Violet Lamprey, "what's the wildest Domain you've ever visited? Mine was the Inverted Peaks—a mountain range that grew downward from the sky. Nearly fell to my death three times."

  "Show-off," Thea muttered, though her smile belied the criticism.

  Deirdre considered the question, her hands moving automatically as she worked. "Probably the Chronomist's Library," she answered finally. "A Domain where time operated differently in each section. You could step through a doorway and find months had passed in the room you left, or that only seconds had gone by while you spent days exploring."

  Kellan looked up from his journal with genuine interest. "I've heard of that place. Supposedly it contains books that write themselves as you read them, revealing different stories to each reader."

  "It does," Deirdre confirmed. "I found one that showed me a map of a Domain I'd visited as a child. A Domain I thought I'd imagined because I never found it again."

  "Did you follow the map?" Thea asked, clearly captivated.

  Deirdre shook her head. "The map vanished from the pages before I could memorize the path completely. In the Chronomist's Library, knowledge appears only when you need it and fades when the moment passes."

  A brief, thoughtful silence followed her words, broken by Milani's practical voice. "Let's move deeper. The rare Starweep fungi should be in the lower chambers, along with the crystal formations we need."

  They gathered their equipment and continued downward, following a spiraling path that led deeper into the cavern system. The atmosphere changed subtly as they descended. The air grew warmer, with a faint mineral scent that tingled in Deirdre's nose. The soft glow of the fungi gave way to the sharper brilliance of crystal formations that lined the walls like frozen waterfalls.

  "Beautiful," Thea breathed as they entered a vast chamber. Her voice echoed slightly, and the crystal formations seemed to respond, their inner light pulsing briefly in harmony with the sound.

  The chamber was enormous, its ceiling lost in shadows despite the abundant light from the crystal formations. The floor sloped down to a perfectly circular pool at the center, its water so still and clear it appeared to be solid glass. Around this pool, crystal spires rose like sentinels, each one a different color—amber, rose, pale blue, and countless shades between.

  "Dreamer's Breath," Kellan identified, approaching one of the formations with reverent care. "Exactly what our client requested. These crystals respond to sound and emotion, storing them like memory and replaying them when touched."

  "How many do we need?" Deirdre asked, awed by the forest of crystal surrounding them.

  "Six specimens of varying colors and sizes," Kellan replied, already examining the formations with a critical eye. "But they must be harvested carefully. Break them incorrectly, and they lose their resonance properties."

  The team spread out, each taking a section of the chamber to search for the most suitable specimens. Deirdre found herself drawn to the central pool, its perfect stillness suggesting great depth. Orsafi hopped down from her shoulder, approaching the edge with curious chirps.

  As Deirdre knelt by the water's edge, her newfound sensitivity to Domain magic sparked unexpectedly. The hum in her chest, which had been a constant but manageable presence since entering Shimmerdeep, suddenly intensified. The magic here was different—older, deeper, with currents that reminded her of the unstable Domain she had restored. Not chaotic, but potent in a way that made her breath catch.

  She glanced around, wondering if the others felt it too. They continued their work, apparently unaware of the powerful currents flowing through this place. Orsafi, however, seemed to sense her reaction. The carbuncle's gem pulsed in time with the magical rhythm Deirdre perceived, creating a visual echo of what she felt.

  "Everything alright over there?" Milani called, noticing Deirdre's stillness.

  "Yes," Deirdre replied automatically. "Just... admiring the view."

  She pushed the sensation aside, focusing instead on the task at hand. The team worked methodically around the chamber, identifying and carefully extracting crystal formations that matched their requirements. Vex used a set of specialized tools to cut the crystals at precise angles, preserving their natural resonance. Kellan documented each specimen's properties before Thea packed them in cushioned containers designed to prevent damage during transport.

  Deirdre was examining a particularly striking formation of pale green crystal when she felt it—a shift in the magic around her, a new presence entering the domain of her heightened senses. Something was approaching, drawn by a force she didn't understand but instinctively recognized as connected to her.

  She straightened, eyes scanning the shadows at the edges of the chamber. Nothing visible yet, but the sensation grew stronger with each heartbeat. Orsafi felt it too, the carbuncle moving closer to Deirdre with a soft, warning trill.

  "Do you feel that?" she asked quietly, not directing the question to anyone in particular.

  Thea paused in her work, head tilting. "Feel what?"

  Before Deirdre could answer, a subtle movement caught her eye. From behind a cluster of crystals at the far side of the chamber, something emerged—sinuous and gleaming, its form catching the light with a thousand prismatic reflections.

  A reptile, approximately the size of a small dog, slithered into view. Its body was serpentine but with four short, clawed limbs that it used to navigate the uneven terrain. Most striking were its scales—not ordinary scales, but crystal-like structures that shifted colors with each movement, refracting the light around it like a living prism. Its eyes were faceted gemstones of deep amber, intelligent and focused.

  And they were fixed directly on Deirdre.

  "Crystal drake," Kellan whispered, his voice hushed with both excitement and caution. "Extremely rare. They typically avoid human contact completely."

  "Nobody move," Milani ordered softly. "They're not usually aggressive, but they're territorial."

  The drake moved forward with deliberate grace, ignoring the rest of the team entirely. Its gaze remained locked on Deirdre, head tilting slightly as though puzzled by what it perceived. The hum in Deirdre's chest intensified as the creature approached, a resonance that seemed to connect them across the space.

  "It's coming straight for you," Thea murmured, her hand slowly moving toward a pouch at her belt.

  "I've never seen one behave like this," Kellan added, his scholarly interest evident despite the tension of the moment.

  The drake paused about ten feet from Deirdre, its crystalline scales rippling with colors that mirrored the hum of magic she felt. It lowered its head slightly, tongue flickering out to taste the air between them. Then, to everyone's astonishment, it advanced closer still.

  "What the hell?" Vex breathed. "They always run from people."

  Deirdre remained perfectly still, aware that any sudden movement might provoke the creature. But even as caution kept her immobile, a deeper awareness told her the drake meant no harm. It was curious—drawn to something it sensed in her, just as she could sense the unusual magic within it.

  The drake circled her once, its movements fluid and precise. When it completed the circle, it sat back on its haunches directly in front of her, head tilted in what could only be described as consideration. Up close, Deirdre could see the intricate patterns in its crystalline scales, each one a perfect geometric form that somehow flowed seamlessly into the next.

  "Deirdre," Milani's voice came quietly from behind her. "Don't panic, but I think we have an opportunity here."

  "What do you mean?" Deirdre asked, not taking her eyes off the drake.

  "That creature would be worth a fortune to our client," Milani explained, her tone carefully neutral. "A living crystal drake would be the centerpiece of any dungeon. And it seems... interested in you."

  Deirdre's stomach tightened with sudden understanding. "You want to capture it."

  "It makes sense," Kellan added. "The client specifically requested unique crystalline specimens. Nothing would be more unique than this."

  "But it's not part of our contract," Deirdre protested, keeping her voice low. "And we don't know what role it plays in this ecosystem."

  Milani moved slowly into Deirdre's field of vision, her expression serious. "This is how it works when opportunities arise. We adapt. That creature is worth ten times what this entire expedition would pay otherwise."

  The drake remained still, watching their exchange with unnerving intelligence. Its scales continued to shift colors, though now they seemed to pulse in rhythm with Deirdre's own heightened sensitivity to the Domain's magic—a visual echo of what she felt internally.

  "I don't think—" Deirdre began, but Milani cut her off with a quick gesture.

  "Team, prepare for capture," she decided. "Non-lethal methods only. Vex, the containment rope."

  Deirdre watched, conflicted, as the team moved into position with practiced coordination. Vex produced a coil of silvery rope from his pack, its fibers glowing faintly with containment enchantments. Thea circled to the left, her movements calculated to provide a distraction if needed. Kellan readied a crystalline device that presumably would help subdue the creature.

  "I didn't agree to this," Deirdre said, a note of protest in her voice.

  "You agreed to see how we work," Milani replied evenly. "This is how we work. Opportunities don't announce themselves in advance."

  The drake, perhaps sensing the shift in atmosphere, rose from its sitting position. Its scales flared with sudden brilliance, and a low hiss escaped its throat—not aggressive yet, but wary.

  "It's going to bolt," Thea warned. "We need to move now."

  "Wait," Deirdre tried again, but the team was already in motion.

  Vex lunged forward, the enchanted rope whipping through the air with surprising speed for something wielded by such large hands. The drake reacted instantly, its body twisting away with serpentine grace. Crystal scales flared, momentarily blinding Thea as she moved to block its escape route.

  The chamber erupted into controlled chaos. The drake darted between crystal formations, its body flowing like liquid light. The team pursued with coordinated precision, gradually maneuvering to cut off escape routes. Kellan activated his device, sending pulses of energy that seemed designed to disorient the drake's senses.

  Deirdre stood apart, torn between two impulses. Part of her recognized the team's skill—they were clearly attempting to capture the creature without harm, their methods designed to minimize stress and injury. Another part of her ached at the sight of the drake's increasingly desperate movements, knowing that her presence had drawn it into this situation.

  The drake circled back toward the central pool, perhaps seeking escape through the water. As it passed near Deirdre, it paused briefly, those faceted amber eyes meeting hers with what seemed like accusation or plea. The moment stretched between them, and Deirdre felt the magical connection pulse stronger than ever.

  Then Vex was there, the enchanted rope finally finding its mark. It wrapped around the drake's midsection, the silver fibers adjusting automatically to secure its limbs without constricting too tightly. The drake thrashed once, then stilled as the rope's enchantment took effect, a soothing magic designed to calm rather than harm.

  "Got it!" Vex exclaimed, his face flushed with the thrill of success. "Perfect capture!"

  The team converged, their expressions a mixture of triumph and professional satisfaction. The drake lay subdued but alert, its crystalline scales still shifting colors, though at a slower pace. It continued to watch Deirdre, its gaze unwavering despite its capture.

  "Beautiful specimen," Kellan observed, crouching to examine it more closely. "Fully mature, excellent coloration. The client will be ecstatic."

  "And our fees just tripled," Milani added with a satisfied smile. She glanced at Deirdre, noting her discomfort. "It's not injured. The containment rope is designed specifically for creatures with magical properties—it keeps them secure without causing harm."

  "That's not the point," Deirdre said quietly. "It came to me. I'm the reason it's captured."

  Thea approached, her expression sympathetic. "If it makes you feel better, these drakes are solitary creatures. They don't form family groups or serve ecological roles beyond their own existence. Taking one doesn't disrupt the Domain."

  "And it will be well cared for," Kellan assured her. "Our client maintains impeccable habitats for his creatures. It will likely have a larger territory in his dungeon than it did here."

  Deirdre knew they were trying to ease her conscience, and perhaps there was truth in their words. But as she looked at the subdued drake, she couldn't shake the feeling that something significant had happened—something connected to her changing relationship with Domain magic.

  "Let's get it secured for transport," Milani directed, all business now that the capture was complete. "Vex, can you handle it?"

  "Not my first drake," Vex replied with a wink, though Deirdre suspected it actually might be. He lifted the creature with surprising gentleness, cradling it against his broad chest. The drake remained calm, the enchanted rope doing its work.

  As the team prepared the drake for transport, Deirdre knelt by the central pool, trying to center herself. The magical resonance that had built during the drake's appearance was fading now, returning to the steady hum she'd grown accustomed to. Orsafi hopped down to sit beside her, the carbuncle's gem pulsing gently.

  "It responded to you," Kellan said, appearing at her side. His voice was quiet, pitched for her ears alone. "I've studied crystal drakes for years. They never approach humans. Ever."

  Deirdre met his intelligent gaze, weighing how much to reveal. "I've always had a way with creatures in the Domains," she said finally. "It's nothing special."

  Kellan's expression made it clear he didn't entirely believe her, but he nodded anyway. "A useful talent," he said before returning to help with the preparations.

  The rest of the expedition proceeded with efficiency, though the excitement of the drake's capture had clearly energized the team. They located the rare Starweep fungi in a smaller chamber adjacent to the crystal forest, its shifting colors reminiscent of the drake's scales. Using Deirdre's careful harvesting technique, they collected several healthy specimens, leaving the main colony intact.

  Finally, with their containers full and the drake secured in a specialized carrier, they began searching for a suitable spot to open a portal back to the Exchange. The team's mood was celebratory, their banter filled with plans for how to spend their unexpected bonus.

  "I'm putting a down payment on that boat I've been eyeing," Vex declared. "Going to sail the Silver Seas during our next break."

  "You get seasick crossing a puddle," Thea reminded him with a laugh.

  "Details," Vex dismissed with a wave of his hand. "What about you, Kellan? More books for your already collapsing shelves?"

  Kellan adjusted his glasses with a small smile. "Actually, I've had my eye on a rare manuscript about Domain formation theories. This might finally put it within reach."

  "Boring," Milani teased. "At least get something fun, like Thea's collection of exotic spirits."

  "They're collector's items," Thea protested, though her eyes danced with humor. "I just happen to collect things that can be consumed for enjoyment." She glanced at Deirdre. "What about you? What would you spend a bonus on?"

  The question caught Deirdre off guard. She'd been so preoccupied with thoughts of the drake and its strange connection to her that she hadn't considered the financial implications of its capture. Despite her misgivings, she would receive a share of the bonus—Milani had made that clear.

  "I'm not sure," she admitted. "Maybe better equipment. Or..." she hesitated, thinking of the iron gate beneath the Guild Hall, "...research materials."

  "Research materials," Vex repeated with a dramatic sigh. "You and Kellan could start a club for the terminally serious."

  "There's nothing wrong with intellectual curiosity," Kellan replied primly, though his lips twitched with suppressed amusement.

  The group emerged from the deeper chambers, retracing their path through the cavern system. The bioluminescent fungi seemed even more vibrant now, their glow creating dancing patterns on the walls as they passed. The journey back felt faster, the route familiar now, and Deirdre found herself reluctantly enjoying the team's companionship despite her lingering discomfort about the drake.

  The captured reptile remained calm in its specialized carrier, which Vex had fashioned from one of their larger containment units. Its scales continued to shift colors, though more slowly, and its faceted eyes followed Deirdre whenever she came into view. The connection between them had faded to a gentle hum, but it remained undeniable—a magical resonance that linked them in ways she didn't fully understand.

  "It really likes you," Thea observed as they paused near the entrance. "I've never seen a creature so fixated on a person before."

  "Maybe it thinks you're its mother," Vex suggested with a grin.

  "More likely it's responding to her magical signature," Kellan said thoughtfully. "Crystal drakes are highly sensitive to magical frequencies. Perhaps there's something unique about yours."

  Deirdre looked away, uncomfortable with how close Kellan's casual hypothesis came to the truth. "I doubt it's anything that interesting," she said.

  Milani, who had been examining their collection of crystal formations, looked up with a smirk. "Maybe it just has good taste."

  The comment, unexpected from Milani, drew a surprised laugh from Deirdre. The tension of the moment broke, and the team continued toward the entrance portal, their mission complete.

  Milani produced a gate stone from her pack, its surface glowing softly as she activated it. The Domain door shimmered into view, its translucent surface rippling like water.

  "Successful expedition by any measure," she declared. "Let's head back and get paid."

  As they prepared to depart, Deirdre cast one last look at the Shimmerdeep Caverns. The glowing fungi, the star-like crystals in the ceiling, the mysterious pools of still water—it was a place of genuine wonder, one she might never have experienced if not for Milani's invitation. Despite her reservations about the drake's capture, she couldn't deny that working with a team had shown her perspectives she wouldn't have considered alone.

  The drake shifted in its carrier, those gemstone eyes fixed on her with unwavering focus. Deirdre approached, kneeling beside the container. The creature pressed against the side closest to her, scales flickering with increased intensity.

  "I'm sorry," she whispered, too softly for the others to hear. "I didn't mean for this to happen."

  The drake tilted its head, as though considering her words. Then, to her surprise, it extended its long, forked tongue and gently tasted the air near her fingers. The gesture felt almost like forgiveness, though she knew she was projecting human emotions onto the creature. Still, the knot of guilt in her chest loosened slightly.

  "Deirdre, we're ready," Milani called from the portal. "Unless you're planning to stay?"

  With a final glance at the drake, Deirdre rose and joined the others. The transition back to the Exchange was as disorienting as ever, the serene darkness of the Shimmerdeep giving way to the bustling energy of the Hall. After hours in the caverns, the noise and movement felt overwhelming, and Deirdre found herself instinctively stepping closer to the team, seeking the familiar in the chaos.

  Their arrival with a crystal drake caused an immediate stir. Other Collectors gathered around, their expressions ranging from envy to admiration. The team fielded questions with good-natured pride, though Vex did most of the talking, his account of the capture growing more dramatic with each telling.

  "And then it lunged—faster than anything I've ever seen—but I was ready," he declared to the growing audience. "One perfect throw with the containment rope, and it was ours!"

  Thea rolled her eyes at Deirdre. "By tomorrow, he'll have wrestled it into submission with his bare hands," she murmured.

  Despite the exaggeration, Deirdre found herself smiling. There was something infectious about the team's camaraderie, their shared satisfaction in a job well done. For a brief moment, she allowed herself to imagine what it might be like to be a permanent part of this unit—to have people who watched her back, who shared both the dangers and the triumphs.

  The client, a dignified Dungeon Keeper with silver-streaked hair and an immaculate black robe, arrived promptly upon hearing of their return. His eyes widened at the sight of the crystal drake, and Deirdre could almost see the calculations running behind his measured expression.

  "Exceptional," he said, voice carefully controlled despite his obvious excitement. "This exceeds all expectations."

  The negotiation that followed was brief but intense, with Milani demonstrating a shrewd business sense that impressed even Deirdre. By the time it concluded, their payment had indeed tripled, with a substantial bonus specifically for the drake. The client departed with his treasures, including the subdued reptile, whose eyes found Deirdre one last time before it was carried away.

  "And that," Milani announced as she distributed their shares, "is how it's done."

  Deirdre accepted her portion with mixed feelings. The payment was substantial—far more than she typically earned on solo expeditions—but it came with a weight of responsibility she hadn't anticipated. The drake's capture and sale still troubled her, though she couldn't articulate exactly why.

  As the team dispersed to celebrate their successful mission, Milani lingered, studying Deirdre with uncharacteristic thoughtfulness.

  "You're conflicted," she observed. "About the drake."

  Deirdre didn't deny it. "It came to me. It was curious, not threatening. And we took it from its home."

  "To a new home where it will be valued and well cared for," Milani countered. "Our client isn't some amateur Keeper. His dungeons are impeccably maintained."

  "That's not the point."

  "Then what is?" Milani asked, her tone more curious than challenging.

  Deirdre hesitated, searching for words that wouldn't reveal too much. "I just think we should be more careful about what we take from the Domains. They're not just resources to be harvested."

  Milani's expression softened slightly. "You really do care about them, don't you? The Domains themselves, not just what they contain."

  "Is that so strange?"

  "No," Milani admitted after a moment. "Unusual, but not strange. Most Collectors see Domains as hunting grounds or treasure vaults. You see them as... what? Living entities?"

  "Something like that," Deirdre said, unwilling to elaborate further.

  Milani studied her for a long moment, then nodded as though reaching a decision. "Well, your perspective has its merits. That fungi harvesting technique of yours will be useful in the future." She cleared her throat, looking almost uncomfortable. "So, what did you think? About working with a team?"

  The question surprised Deirdre. She'd expected Milani to pressure her directly about joining, not to ask for her genuine opinion. "It was... different," she said carefully. "Your team works well together. They're skilled, efficient."

  "But?" Milani prompted, hearing the unspoken reservation.

  "But I'm not sure it's for me," Deirdre finished. "I appreciate the invitation, and today was... educational. But I work best on my own."

  Instead of disappointment or frustration, Milani's expression held something closer to respect. "Fair enough. The offer remains open, regardless." She gestured to the pouch of payment. "That's what working together can accomplish. Think about it."

  With that, she strode away, leaving Deirdre alone with her thoughts and a significantly heavier coin pouch. Orsafi, who had been unusually quiet since their return, chirped softly from her shoulder. The carbuncle's gem pulsed with a gentle rhythm that seemed to say, Let's go home.

  Deirdre nodded, suddenly tired. "Yes, home. I think we're done with adventures for today."

  As she made her way back to her quarters, the weight of the key against her chest reminded her of unfinished business. The iron gate with its mysterious runes still waited beneath the Guild Hall, its secrets temporarily postponed but not forgotten. Tomorrow, she would return there—would discover what connection existed between the key and those ancient inscriptions.

  But tonight, she would rest and reflect on the day's experiences. Working with Milani's team had shown her a different approach to collection—not better or worse than her own, perhaps, but distinct. And the strange connection with the crystal drake had reinforced her growing certainty that her relationship with the Domains was changing in ways she couldn't ignore.

  Reaching her quarters, Deirdre closed the door behind her with a sigh of relief. Orsafi hopped down to her favorite perch by the window, the carbuncle's gem dimming to a restful glow. Outside, the Exchange continued its endless bustle, but here in the quiet of her own space, Deirdre could finally sort through the tumult of the day.

  She placed the key on her small table, studying its twisted form in the fading light. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, new discoveries. For now, the key's secrets—like her own evolving abilities—would wait for another day.