Chapter 251

• Jasper shifts on his feet, drawing my attention as he turns away, and I catch the glimmer of a tear rolling down his cheek. He walks off, his posture stiff, but his emotions are caving as my truths sink home. My words have struck a chord, and he can’t bear to listen anymore. Conversely, Varro looks smug and mildly annoyed, but he stays calm and unmoved in his posture.
• “You’re clever. You have her fire. Her insane logic and way with words. So, what’s the compromise then? You hand me your father-in-law and his men and skip off happily into your forest to live out your life, oblivious to what you are? Is that what you’re offering?” He smirks, a tooth peeking out to remind me I’m dealing with the devil himself.
• “I hand you them, you do whatever you want with them, but no, I don’t skip off into the sunset. We came here to make a deal, and if getting to know me is part of your wish, I won’t say no. You want a bond with me; then you’ll get one.”