A Dash of Magic, A Pinch of Trouble

Katherine held Eldritch's hand, and in an instant, they were engulfed by a blinding light. The radiance was so intense that it forced her to close her eyes, and for a moment, all she could hear was the faint hum of energy surrounding them.

As the light began to dim slightly, Eldritch's voice broke through the lingering glow. "I will state the terms of the contract. First, you are not to speak of our encounter to anyone. Second, you are not to reveal the details of our transactions."

Katherine tilted her head slightly, an amused glint in her eyes. "I hope it goes both ways?"

A small, almost imperceptible smile played on Eldritch's lips. "For sure, my lady."

The light lingered a bit longer, pulsing with residual magic before finally fading into nothingness. The room, once swallowed in its brilliance, now settled back into the dim, flickering glow of lanterns and candles.

"Wow," Katherine exhaled, blinking to adjust her vision.