Hadrian received Katerina’s bow with a nod. He looked her over, eyes softening in a way that was almost fatherly. For a moment, he thought to ask how she was doing, given the events of last night. Octavius was her partner, and Hadrian knew how strong that bond had to be. This was rattling for all of them, but for Katerina…

Hadrian decided against it. He’d let his pause and expression be enough. His face changed back to an expression of efficiency.

“I must commend you on your performance and the maze and in the throne room. The latter in particular. I wish we had more time to breathe but unfortunately do not. So, I must ask you,” Hadrian’s brow furrowed, “The portals. What you are able to do…I’ve never seen a witch conjure one before. How does it work?”

Though the rest of Hadrian’s expression did not change, his eyes lit as if he were a child being offered a particularly gracious gift. He’d seen what she could do in the throne room, but this was more than he could have imagined. He paused for a moment, wheels turning in his mind, before continuing on to his reason for summoning her.

“You’re long overdue for a promotion. Effective immediately you will be granted the rank of officer, but that won’t necessarily matter. You’ll answer to me alone and train within the ranger program. I will bring in trainers as necessary to work on individual skills. The expectation is that you will be able to operate independently within enemy territory. That will mean danger, but if you’re willing…”

Hadrian offered her the choice. He couldn’t afford to pour so many resources into a soldier that was not wholeheartedly committed to the task.

“Private Wulfbrand is not being considered for the program at this time,” Hadrian said, deciding to leave it at that. What happened to Octavius wasn’t his fault, but right or wrong, his unwitting involvement in the boy’s death had made him a complicated figure. One he wasn’t going to elevate in a hurry.

Besides, he thought, it had now been made clear that witches could turn into werewolves themselves. Hadrian didn’t understand how yet, but if he could find a way to transfer the curse to other witches…what did they need a male pair for?

Hadrian let the touch of a smile pull at the corner of his mouth.

“Good. You’ll start first thing tomorrow. In the meantime…” Hadrian did soften for a moment, “Take the day. I’m sure you have matters to attend to. Your time will be more scarce from this point forward..” It had the intonation of an order, for it was one.