Aurora's POV
Restraint Protocol - Tiered Engagement.
I spoke as I wrote.
"Tier One: Observation with mandatory reporting. Silence is not permission. Every delay must be logged."
The mountain thrummed softly, affirming the structure.
"Tier Two: Containment without consolidation. Action may be taken to stabilize, not to reshape."
I could feel Catherine's influence recoil slightly not resisting, just reassessing.
Good.
"Tier Three," I said, pausing, "requires my authorization. Not consensus. Not interpretation."
Silence deepened.
"This does not centralize power," I added, anticipating the objection. "It centralizes accountability."
I looked up.
"If restraint costs a life," I said evenly, "the cost is mine."
A ripple of shock.
That was new.
"But if action costs a life," I continued, "the cost belongs to the one who chose it."
I felt something settle then not obedience, not fear.
Clarity.
Catherine would have made this a proclamation.
