Chapter 22 An Alliance

• Asher’s POV
• The tension in the air was thick as we walked through the estate grounds, past dimly lit pathways and the occasional chirp of a night bird. I could feel the weight of our plan pressing down on me, and I couldn’t help but wonder if we’d really thought this all the way through. Benjamin wasn’t the easiest person to talk to today, and if we wanted him to consider our proposal, we’d need a perfect balance of diplomacy and, well, a little luck.
• As we approached the fountain where he was standing, gazing at the rippling water, I knew he’d already sensed our presence. Benjamin turned, his expression guarded, hands tucked casually into his coat pockets. He looked at us with an arched brow, clearly unimpressed.