"You both speak about survival and power," Jorghan said, his voice cutting through their exchange.
"But what you're really asking is which of you I'll let use me first."
The bluntness of his statement created a moment of silence.
Naikini's vertical pupils dilated slightly, her scales shimmering. Yasoraga's dark eyes narrowed, reassessing him with sharper focus.
"Direct," Yasoraga said after a pause.
"Refreshing, actually."
"Accurate," Naikini added, her smile returning.
"Though 'use' implies passivity. I prefer to think of it as mutual benefit."
"Everything in clan politics is mutual benefit," Yasoraga said.
"Until one party decides they've extracted enough value and discards the other."
"Which is why strength matters," Naikini countered.
"The strong aren't discarded. They do the discarding."
Jorghan let his gaze move deliberately between them, taking in every detail of their appearances, their body language, and their carefully maintained facades.
He wanted them both.
