The loud toll of the brass bell reverberated through the winding tunnels beneath the Syndicate headquarters. Vixen stood with the other recruits, nerves coiled tight in her gut but face stoic as stone. Lady Serena emerged from the shadows, her piercing gaze sweeping over them. "It is time," she intoned, voice smooth yet commanding.
Vixen and the others were led into a torch-lit chamber. The Matriarchs encircled a carved stone table that held glowing brands. Serena, an imposing figure with an aura of authority, stepped forward. In her hands she held the Syndicate's ornate serpentine crest, ready to brand it on the wrists of the new recruits.
Lady Emilia nodded to Vixen. "You first, little fox."
