Chapter 243 – Oh, You're Still Here
Lucaris' silence stretched, and Lux let it. He'd learned long ago that the best deals weren't sealed with fast talking—they were sealed in the pause, in the moment the other party realized they'd already half agreed.
Finally, Lucaris' smirk broke through, sharp and dangerous. "You've got the nerve, Vaelthorn. I'll give you that."
"Thank you," Lux said, returning the smirk. "We're not built to lack it."
Sira's laugh was soft, smug. "So… does this mean I can keep him, Dad? I like him."
Lucaris' gaze flicked to her, then back to Lux, and the heat in it wasn't quite as murderous now. "For now," he said slowly. "But understand this—if you waste her time, I won't just take you apart. I'll make sure every deal you've ever made turns to ash."
Lux inclined his head, calm and deliberate. "Fair terms."
And just like that, the room felt less like a battlefield and more like the opening move of something far bigger.
