Chapter 90: The Conditional Help

Negotiating with Alaric was like dancing on the edge of a blade. Every step was dangerous, every word could cut deep.

As dawn broke, I found myself standing in the war room once again, staring across the table at a man I didn’t trust but desperately needed.

“I’m only going to say this once,” I began, my voice hard and unyielding. “I’m not giving you free access to Silverwood’s archives. If you want my help, we do this my way.”

Alaric leaned back in his chair, his expression as unreadable as ever. “Your way?” He chuckled, a sound that grated on my nerves. “And what exactly does that entail, Luna?”

“Don’t mock me,” I snapped. “You’re the one who came to me for a deal. If you want what you’re asking for, you’ll follow my conditions.”

His eyes narrowed, the smile fading from his lips. “You think you have the upper hand here, Sera? You’re out of resources, out of options. If I walk out that door, you’re left with nothing.”

I leaned forward, meeting his gaze with a steely determ