**Hidden Machinations—Eternal Eclipse**
~4 Years Ago~
Calliok Vex stood before a board with the words, 'The Art Of Imbalanced Negotiation' scribbled on the surface with white chalk. He tapped his feet against the floor impatiently, staring at Ember so intently she thought she must have done something so badly wrong it must irked him to death.
When ten minutes passed and he continued staring at her like that, she broke the stare, groaning.
"Master, if this is because of the one biscuit I slipped in during our lesson this morning, then forgive me already. You do not have to wear me down with your beady stare."
"And just like that, you've failed." He said coldly, totally disregarding her words.
It took her moments to realize that maybe he was not totally disregarding her words but had rather put her to a test.
"Rule number one when you're negotiating with someone more powerful than you're is to never make the first bargain. Hold my stare for as long, but say nothing."
