00:00and smells the rich mana. It eagerly crawls across the velvet seat, reaching Elena's side.
00:04Instead of just taking the meat, it paws at her lap, letting out a soft purr. Elena's stiff
00:09posture falters for a microsecond. Her fingers slightly tighten on the jerky as the tiny cub
00:14nibbles it right out of her hand. Her face is completely cold, but I can see her eyes tracking
00:19every movement of the fluffy creature. But the little traitor isn't done. After swallowing the
00:23meat, it turns around and gently yanks at her dark silk slip with its tiny teeth. Elena snaps
00:28her head down, her glare frosty again. What are you doing? She demands, her voice cutting through
00:32the silence, though she doesn't push the wolf away. I don't answer her question directly. Instead,
00:37taking advantage of the broken ice, I lean forward and gently place the second gray stone, the ember
00:42lizard's egg, right into her lap, right next to the wiggling wolf cub. Elena freezes, staring down
00:47on the ugly stone resting on her expensive dress. What is this? A gift. I have a favor to ask.
00:53Elena lets out a bitter, mocking sneer. The soft moment is gone and her cold majesty naps right
00:59back into place. She leans back against the velvet cushion, looking down at me like a true sovereign.
01:03Of course you do. The slave finally reveals his true colors. Everyone wants something from me.
01:09Wealth? A title? A seat on the High Council? Speak, Rayanne. What is your price?
01:15My sister. Protect her from the Council's shadows. Move her into the inner sanctum of the Ducal Estate
01:20and keep her safe. Elena tenses. The mockery instantly drains from her face.
