Nora's POV
Dmitri extends his hand toward me, his expression resolute. "Then we have reached an understanding."
"We have." My heart hammers against my ribs as I grasp his hand, sealing our agreement with a firm handshake. "Before we finalize this, I need you to answer something."
"Ask away."
"What do you gain from this arrangement? I believe you're decent, just as I try to be. You don't want chaos consuming everything or innocent people suffering under evil's reign. But I also recognize you must have compelling motivation to align yourself with my cause. Your existence here has been relatively peaceful and undisturbed."
"Your instincts serve you well. I suffered a loss, someone who questioned whether I possessed the strength to shelter and defend those under my care. By uniting our forces, by linking my bloodline to the archangels, she will witness that I can become the protector she requires."
