Apophis's tone shifted again.
It turned playful and flirtatious.
"And that is why you are still alive, my dear master."
She stepped forward with slow, measured steps until only a single pace separated them.
"Let us make a trade.
Free me, and I will grant your deepest wish."
Ben laughed, short and sharp, but he did not relax.
His aura stirred around him, tight and coiled like a spring.
His instincts screamed at him.
Every part of his body stayed on alert.
"You really think I would release the one thing keeping me safe?" he said in a calm voice. "Nice try."
Apophis's smile faded.
Her eyes grew cold and sharp.
When she spoke again, her tone felt as empty and dark as a void.
"Do you even understand that there are fates far worse than death?"
Ben's grin widened.
"If you had said that when I first arrived in this world, maybe I would have folded," he said. "But now?"
He stepped forward instead of backing away.
"Go ahead.
Try me.
Let us see who breaks first."
