(Ru Clan Territory, The Sky-Fortress of Vassa, Mauriss' POV)
Ru Vassa did not immediately respond to Mauriss' outrageous proposal, though the faint narrowing of her eyes made it clear she was not the least bit interested in biting on the line that the Deceiver had thrown her.
"You are bold," she said at last, her tone level and almost amused, though the air between them remained thick with restrained power.
"You propose that I betray centuries of alliance, dismantle the Great Clan equilibrium, and trust the most notorious Deceiver in recorded history… all because you suddenly feel generous?"
Mauriss smiled faintly, as though the question itself pleased him.
"Generous?" he echoed lightly, taking another slow step forward, the innermost barrier adjusting with a brief flicker before stabilizing.
"No, Vassa. I am practical. I see stagnation where you see tradition, and I see failures where you see allies.
