Velra's smile—soft and dangerous—froze mid-curve. Her eyes hardened, the temperature in the room dropping like a blade of ice between us.
Sure, accepting her proposal would have perks.
It would open the gates to the Drazroth Empire—normally sealed tight for someone like me.
Hidden treasures, legendary weapons, powerful artifacts like the Heart of Diamond… all of them would be within reach.
But there was no way I was walking straight into the lion's den.
The Drazroth Empire wasn't some casual playground. It was endgame territory—an ocean of high-level demons and death traps.
With my current power? I'd die screaming before I even grazed the weakest mob.
Not a risk I was ready to take. Not yet.
Velra's eyes stayed on me, crimson irises sharpening like blades of frozen glass.
Her hand, still extended, hovered in the narrow space between us—an invitation and a threat wrapped into one elegant gesture.
I didn't move.
