"Little brother, how do you want me to repay you?"
Isabella's voice—honeyed, lilting, and laden with charm—brushed Daniel's ear like silk.
In the space of a heartbeat, Daniel felt as if a hidden fire within him had been stoked to a roaring blaze. He knew perfectly well what was happening. He knew that Isabella was tempting him on purpose, flooding the air with the undertow of her domain. And yet his body betrayed him, inching closer of its own accord, drifting toward surrender.
Without the slightest hesitation, Daniel cast Purification upon himself.
Clarity returned like a cold wind.
He set a hand to Isabella's shoulder and pushed her gently—but decisively—back. When he spoke, his tone was even, almost indifferent.
"No repayment is necessary—especially not that kind."
"I can grant you temporary freedom and permit you to move about outside for a time. In exchange, when I call upon you, I expect your help."
