Marcus recoiled slightly as the words left Serah's mouth, his expression tightening before softening into faint amusement.
"Help?" he repeated, as if he hadn't heard her right. "Help with what exactly?" His tone carried a hint of disbelief, almost dumbfounded.
"In catching this Pureblood, of course. What else?" Serah replied firmly, her eyes holding his without hesitation.
Marcus regarded her for a moment, his gaze flicking across her face as though weighing her seriousness. Then, he gave a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. "Sorry, princess, but I'll pass on that one."
Serah's brows knit together, her eyes widening in surprise at his immediate refusal. "Why?" she asked, unable to hide the sting of rejection in her voice.
