"I see what you are doing, little one," the voice said, the pressure in the room shifting into something almost like a nod of approval. "You are making sure that helping the boy also paves the way for your own path. It is a nice move. I don't dislike that. Because I would rather trust a man who acts out of calculated interest than one who acts out of blind sentiment."
Soren felt a momentary chill. The entity had peeled back his intentions with terrifying ease, recognizing the transaction for what it was: an investment in a future powerhouse.
He held his breath, wondering for a heartbeat if he had overplayed his hand, but the following words settled the air.
"I accept your deal. If you are to be the one standing in the boy's shadow, then you deserve to know the truth of what you are protecting."
The golden air shimmered, and for a brief moment, the silhouette of a man in ornate, flowing robes seemed to flicker within the light.
