---
A feather-thin glow had begun to etch itself into her flesh. First it was faint. Then it became brighter.
A curved flame.
A curling wing.
A tiny phoenix, barely the size of a coin, engraved like living light on her inner wrist. Not painful. But warm. Unmistakable.
Fenna stared at it in awe.
"You learn everything," the Matron whispered. "You danced. You form a trust. You burned, and you healed. That is the rite of the phoenix."
Emberling fluttered onto her shoulder, her eyes glowing. The mark gently pulsed once—in time with the chick's breath.
"It's… it's beautiful."
"It's yours. And hers. Now and forever. This is your bond mark with her. You can also call it Tamer mark, but it is different. Because you are connected by heart. Like a parent and child."
Fenna wrapped her fingers around the mark, then reached up to stroke Emberling's tiny beak.
"I promise I'll protect her. No matter what happens. I will be a good mother figure for her."
