Andres didn't agree right away.
He didn't refuse either.
Instead, he walked with Kael through the street, listening more than speaking.
Kael talked easily.
Too easily.
But not carelessly.
"I've been in Velmora a while," he said. "Long enough to know when someone's different."
Andres glanced at him briefly.
"And you think I am?"
Kael smiled.
"I know you are."
That wasn't arrogance.
It was certainty.
Which made it more dangerous.
"…Why approach me?" Andres asked.
Kael didn't hesitate.
"Because people like you don't stay small."
Silence followed.
Not uncomfortable.
Measured.
"…And you want to benefit from that," Andres said.
Kael laughed lightly.
"Of course."
Honest.
Blunt.
And in this world—
That was more trustworthy than false kindness.
Andres stopped walking.
For a moment, he considered everything.
Risk.
Opportunity.
Unknown variables.
"…One job," he said finally.
Kael nodded.
"That's enough."
And just like that—
A partnership began.
Carefully.