"Sign it already. This deal won't last forever. No hidden strings, I promise."
Victor watched as Marcus hesitated, his expression cycling through uncertainty, reluctance, and something close to resignation. After a long moment, Marcus finally exhaled, shoulders slumping as if a weight had been lifted.
"Haah… thank you," he said quietly, and this time the gratitude in his voice was unmistakable.
Victor chuckled and reached out, patting him on the shoulder. "Relax. We're brothers in arms now. There's nothing to thank me for."
Marcus nodded, but his eyes were red, like he was fighting back something stronger than nerves. For a brief moment, he looked as though he might actually cry. He regretted ever opposing the Alliance, even though he knew that if he were given the chance to go back, he would probably make the same choices again.
