Rosalie knocked on the door that lead to Madeline’s desk, hoping that the woman would be available for a small talk. After what had happened with Ael, her confession and posterior incarceration Rosalie had asked permission to research the artifact that the former spy had used against her.
Her conclusions had been interesting…to say at the least. The artifact had been tweaked three times; the first time in order for it to cause plenty of damage to the victim, the second time for it to slow the damage caused and the third and last time to not cause damage at all, even it could be argued that the frequency was set to undo part of the caused damage.
It seemed that Ael had grown a conscience during the process; while it was not in Rosalie’s place to decide her fate it was a relevant detail that likely Madeline would wish to know before taking a choice on the matter.
Madeline was deep in thought when the knock on her door pulled her from her work. She looked up, recognizing the familiar figure of Rosalie through the glass. Madeline’s office was organized, every piece of equipment and every file in its rightful place, a reflection of the disciplined mind that occupied the space. Despite the interruption, Madeline was always open to hearing from her team, especially when it concerned something as significant as Ael's case.
Come in, Rosalie, Madeline called out, her voice calm and steady as she set aside the report she’d been reviewing. She offered a small, welcoming smile as Rosalie entered, though her eyes were already curious, sensing that this wasn’t just a casual visit.
As Rosalie explained her findings, Madeline listened intently, her expression shifting from curiosity to intrigue as the details unfolded. The modifications to the artifact were unexpected, and they opened up a new layer of complexity to Ael’s actions.
That’s fascinating, Rosalie, Madeline said, leaning back in her chair and folding her hands thoughtfully. The fact that the artifact was altered three times, each change reflecting a shift in intent... it’s not something we can overlook. It suggests that Ael was conflicted, possibly even trying to undo the harm she’d already set in motion.
She paused, considering the implications. This changes things. If Ael was attempting to mitigate the damage, it could indicate that her actions weren’t entirely malevolent, or at the very least, that she had doubts about what she was doing. That kind of internal conflict is important to understand before we make any final decisions about her fate.
Madeline stood up and began to pace slowly, a habit she had when she needed to think through a problem. We need to look at this from every angle. If Ael did indeed have a change of heart, it’s possible she was coerced or manipulated into her initial actions. Or perhaps she realized too late the full extent of what she was doing. Either way, it’s something we need to investigate further.
She entered into the room, smiling back at the woman before starting her explanation on her findings after exploring the artifact.
“I would say that certainly in the end she was not happy at all with the idea of hurting you. I am not going to lie and to say that what she did was good but I thing that she is not as evil as it could be assumed from her actions. “Either because she grew fond of you or because she knew that what she was doing was wrong she decided to tweak the artifact, that’s for sure.”
“While I understand that she will have to undergo through punishment to pay for her wrongdoings, if you want my opinion on the matter, I’d say that perhaps giving her a chance to make things rights would be a good idea, since she kind of tried to do that in her own way” she said, relieved of that Madeline had decided to spare Ael’s life.
“My theory is that she probably worked for someone with ill intentions and that she had done her share of bad things, because she’s not stupid thus she knew what she was doing but clearly in the end her good heart weighted over her “duty” she said as she tapped her lips thoughtfully “and clearly if someone had found out that she had tweaked the orb perhaps the consequences would have been fatal for her, yet she did it to spare you a terrible fate.”
Madeline nodded slowly as she absorbed Rosalie’s words, her expression thoughtful. The more she learned, the more it seemed that Ael’s motivations had layers beyond simple malice or deception. This wasn’t a case of black and white; it rarely was, in her experience, and Rosalie’s observations only reinforced that belief.
You’re absolutely right, Rosalie. If Ael knew she was taking a risk by altering the artifact—and she went ahead with it anyway—that suggests a moral conflict she couldn’t ignore. That’s not something a person does lightly, especially if her own safety was at stake. Madeline’s gaze softened a little, her usual pragmatic demeanor yielding to a note of empathy. She respected courage, and this decision by Ael, however subtle, sounded like a small act of defiance against her orders.
“I am not going to say that she was a saint, obviously she intended to harm you in the beginning but I do think that the fact that she was conflicted means that perhaps she is deserving of some penance, a way to make back for the damage that she caused” she said thoughtfully “She is a skilled herbalist if I recall correctly? Perhaps she can assist me in the clinic, only if you agree with that compromise of course; I’d understand if you’d rather have her out of West Hills”
There was a brief moment of silence “But, if you forgive my boldness I know a certain man that would mourn her disappearance deep inside, and I think you’d miss her too, in the long run. I would keep an eye on her at work and of course if I noticed anything odd you’d be the first to know”
Madeline paced a few steps before stopping, her arms crossed and her brow furrowed in thought. Rosalie’s suggestion was unexpected, but it wasn’t without merit. The idea of Ael working in the clinic under close supervision offered a way for her to atone without being cast aside entirely. It was practical, and Madeline couldn’t deny it had a certain appeal.
Ael is skilled, and if she’s truly remorseful, putting her abilities to use in the clinic could be the first step toward earning back a shred of trust, Madeline said, her voice measured. But you’re right—this isn’t just about her skills. It’s about her willingness to face the consequences of her choices and do something meaningful with what’s left of her life.
She turned to Rosalie, her expression softening. I’ll admit, I’ve been wrestling with this. Part of me wanted to write her off entirely, but... if there’s even a chance she could make amends, I’d rather see her try than leave her to rot in a cell. Especially if she risked her own life to protect mine, however belatedly.
Madeline paused, considering Rosalie’s final point. A faint smile tugged at the corners of her lips, though it was tinged with melancholy. You’re bold, but you’re not wrong. There are people who would mourn her loss, no matter how much they might deny it. And I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t a part of me that still wants to believe in the person I thought she was before all this.
She exhaled deeply, nodding once as if coming to a decision. All right. I’ll authorize her transfer to the clinic under your supervision. She’ll work to help the people of West Hills and prove that she’s more than her mistakes. But make no mistake—this is her one chance. If she so much as wavers, you tell me immediately, Rosalie. No hesitation.
Madeline’s gaze met Rosalie’s, steady and resolute. I trust you to handle this. Just make sure she understands that trust doesn’t come easy, not anymore.
“And once she proves that she can be trusted perhaps we can even handle her more challenging tasks. Of course that would be a goal in the long run and only whenever you decide that she’s worth that trust.” She said making clear of that it was an end goal and not a situation that would happen anytime soon. She even thought about introducing her to Wyatt who was admittedly a very good judge of character who would be able to tell if Ael was trustworthy.
“I can understand the temptation of doing something more…appropriate for the situation but let’s face facts you are a good woman and you’d regret later the chance of giving her a chance. I mean, I would have the same problem if I was in your shoes” Rosalie truly believed in second chances, especially when the implied parties showed regret.
“Then let’s give her a chance Madeline, besides that person that we are both talking about wouldn’t give her the chance of a second try, Ael will have many eyes on her, I doubt that she would be able to pull another successful scheme with so much vigilance and if she ever tries…well then she ruined her second chance and we would be back to this point, knowing what has to be done” she doubted that it would come to that, but she wanted to reassure Madeline of that this option was safe.
“I am kind but not stupid. West Hills is my home now and I won’t endanger it” she promised with a nod “You won’t regret trusting me, and I think that you won’t regret trusting her either”
Madeline studied Rosalie for a long moment, the silence filled with the weight of unspoken understanding. She saw the conviction in Rosalie’s eyes and the quiet strength in her words. Rosalie’s commitment to fairness, coupled with her unyielding loyalty to West Hills, made Madeline believe this plan had a chance—however slim—to work.
Very well, Madeline said finally, her voice carrying the gravity of the decision. Ael will get her second chance. But it’s not for her sake alone. It’s for the people she might yet help, and for the hope that even those who’ve faltered can find a way back.
She stepped closer, her gaze steady as she rested a hand lightly on Rosalie’s shoulder. You’re right, Rosalie. I’d regret not giving her this chance, even if it’s hard to admit. But it’s a fragile thing—this trust. You’ll have to be our eyes, ears, and guide as she works to rebuild it.
Madeline’s expression softened, though her resolve remained firm. You’ve proven yourself time and time again, and I trust your instincts. Just keep me informed, and don’t hesitate to bring any concerns to me directly. We’ll navigate this together, as we always do.
Her lips curved into a faint but genuine smile, a flicker of hope piercing the somber tone of the conversation. And if Ael truly means to redeem herself, then perhaps we’ll all find something worthwhile in this unexpected path. Maker willing, it won’t just be West Hills that grows stronger from it—but her as well.
Madeline stepped back, signaling the close of the discussion with a nod. Let’s move forward, cautiously but with purpose. And thank you, Rosalie. For everything. I couldn’t do this without you.
