The mission was a disastrous success. They had secured the Piece of Eden, an unnervingly warm orb humming with power, but at the cost of several Rook lives. Back in their ramshackle hideout, a converted tannery that reeked of wet leather, the mood was grim.
Clara paced, her usual stoic facade cracking. "Not good enough," she rasped. "We were outmatched, outmuscled. You two…" she paused, looking at Hasel and Hermione directly, "…your magic is a marvel, but it ain't enough."
Henry, ever the bookworm, rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "We need to study it, the way they fight, their tactics. And you two," he turned to the women, "You need their strength, their agility."