Cain let his gaze slide over the tense faces around the table. The mountain clan representatives remained silent, watchful observers. The therianthropes, on the other hand, seethed with indignation, their primal instincts on high alert.
Three hundred souls to offer to the Jade Fangs. Three hundred lives to transform… or to break.
Cain crossed his arms, his voice sharper than a blade.
"Give me something else."
Alpha raised an eyebrow, visibly amused.
"Something else, you say?"
"It's true that I want your troops, but I can't agree to this price."
He let the silence stretch, his gaze locked onto hers.
"You speak of strengthening, of elevation. Prove it."
Around the table, some straightened up, intrigued. Alpha tapped her claws against the wooden surface, then sighed softly.
"A test, then?"
Cain nodded slowly.
