The cold wind moved through the Stone Valley long after the handshake between Seraphine and me had ended.
A temporary alliance.
Two leaders who had built power from the shadows had just agreed to work together, even if neither of us truly trusted the other yet.
Seraphine stepped back first, folding her arms as she studied me again.
“Well,” she said lightly, “that was easier than I expected.”
Tarek snorted beside me.
“Don’t get used to it.”
Seraphine laughed softly.
“Oh, I’m not foolish enough to think Elara trusts me.”
I met her gaze evenly.
“And I assume you don’t trust me either.”
“Of course not.”
Her honesty was almost refreshing.
“But cooperation doesn’t require trust,” she added. “Only shared interests.”
Mira stepped forward slightly.
“Then let’s talk about Red Hollow.”
