Apophis's tone shifted, turning flirtatious once more.
"And that's why you're still alive, my dear master~."
She stepped forward, slow and deliberate, until only a single step separated them.
"Let's make a trade. Free me… and I'll grant your deepest wish."
Ben let out a sharp laugh, but his guard never dropped. His aura flared subtly, coiled like a spring. His instincts were screaming now, every cell on high alert.
"You really think I'd release the one thing keeping me safe?" he said coolly. "Nice try."
Apophis's smile faded. Her eyes turned sharp, and her voice dropped, cold as the void.
"Do you even understand there are fates far worse than death?"
Ben's grin widened. "If you'd said that when I first arrived in this world… maybe I'd have folded. But now?"
He stepped forward, refusing to yield.
"Go ahead. Try me. Let's see who breaks first."
Apophis moved in closer. Too close.
