The word was calm, but it carried weight.
Kiara turned slowly, a faint frown forming between her brows. The last traces of the potion's overwhelming power still hummed faintly in her veins, though she could feel the duration ticking away in the back of her mind.
Was he going to attempt something foolish?
Her gaze sharpened.
As expected, Magnus stepped forward slightly, wings folding behind him, eyes steady.
"I need the beast," he said without preamble. "Name your price."
So that was it.
Kiara's suspicion flared briefly, but she did not let it show beyond a subtle narrowing of her eyes.
"The core is important to me as well, Your Highness," she replied evenly. Her voice was steady, controlled. "And it is not for sale."
She held his gaze deliberately.
After everything she had just displayed, she was confident he would not attempt force.
Magnus did not reach for his sword.
Instead, he said calmly, "One million gold coins. I do not require the core. Just its body."
