The scene shifts back to the clearing outside the hunter's lodge.
A chill night breeze swept through the mountains. Sparse moonlight filtered through the tree canopy, casting cold, patchy white onto the forest floor.
Jim stood in the shadows, his gaze as sharp as a blade—cutting, probing, with a trace of mockery. His hands were tucked into the pockets of his coat, his feet rooted to the ground.
"Let's stop testing each other," he finally said, his voice languid but oppressive. "Tell me why you asked me here."
Livia didn't answer. Instead, she raised a hand slightly and gestured to Red and the others behind her.
Red frowned, stepped forward hesitantly, and muttered, "This wasn't the plan."
"I know," Livia replied calmly, her eyes leaving no room for debate. "Trust me."
Red hesitated for a beat, then reluctantly stepped back into the lodge, casting her one last glance before shutting the wooden door behind him.
As expected, Jim narrowed his eyes slightly.
He could sense what Livia was doing—betting that he wouldn't make a move tonight.
And she was right.
"You've heard Eryx was reassigned recently, haven't you?" Livia asked, skipping all pretense and taking the lead in the conversation.
Jim smirked. "Of course. Don't tell me that was your doing?"
"Not yours, mine." She arched an eyebrow, just enough irritation in her tone to reveal she'd taken the bait of his probing.
Jim didn't refute her claim. Instead, his gaze sharpened as he threw a more pointed question:
"And how exactly did you pull that off? Don't tell me… you're one of Edgar's? A little father-daughter conspiracy?"
Livia's eyes flashed with scorn. "You really do underestimate me. Don't forget what kind of man my father is. Do you think I could get anything from him just because of blood?"
She took a step forward, her voice cold and unyielding. "I'll say it again—I don't belong to anyone. I work for myself."
The air grew taut with her rising force.
"Alright, alright…" Jim raised his hands slightly, lips curling as his eyes flicked over her like a serpent. "Then please, go on."
Livia inhaled deeply and steadied her tone.
"Now that Eryx is gone, the region's real control falls to you—and whatever officers he left behind. He didn't trust you the most, but he must've given you some key responsibilities, right?"
Jim didn't confirm, only said, "Continue."
Livia, hearing no denial, grew more certain she was right.
She idly twisted the ring on her finger—whether out of habit or reassurance, it was hard to say.
"We both know what Marcellus is looking for," she said, her voice as quiet as the wind weaving through the trees.
"And you and Eryx—you're either using him, or trying to get there first."
"I'm not trying to stop him," Jim said coolly.
"I just don't want anyone else to get there before me."
"So you do know his progress." Livia's words cut sharply.
"Well, I have intel too. Marcellus and Elias trust me—I can stay close and learn more."
She met Jim's gaze, her eyes like still water.
"If we join forces, we stand a chance of taking something for ourselves. Otherwise, when they make their move, we'll both be left with nothing."
Jim licked his lips slowly, weighing her offer.
"Sounds good on paper. But how do I know you're not lying? And even if you're not—how do we split the prize?"
"If we don't even know whether we'll survive the week, isn't that a bit premature?" Livia countered.
"You're smart, and I'm not stupid either. As it stands—Marcellus and Eryx are locked in a standoff. My father, Edgar, is watching silently in the background. You and I? If we stay still, we lose everything."
She paused, eyes firm.
"For now—we need each other."
Jim went quiet, the smile on his face slowly fading.
He didn't agree. But he didn't say no, either.
He was simply watching her—assessing her worth with the cold, precise gaze of a predator eyeing his prey.
And Livia didn't flinch.
She met his stare unblinking, the wind brushing strands of her hair across her cheek—like a blade in the dark, hiding every calculation and ounce of will she'd gambled tonight.
At that moment, she placed all her judgment and restraint on the line—just to buy more time, and learn more truth.