The Owl Knew

Ali Baba leaned forward.

"Now, let's talk coin—"

"230."

Malik cut in.

Ali Baba blinked. So did Layla.

Malik kept his expression firm.

"That's my price."

He leaned back, settling in, eyes watching every little shift in Ali Baba's face.

"You need good fighters. Trusted fighters. The road south is rough, worse for a group like yours."

Ali Baba tilted his head.

"A group like ours?"

Malik shrugged.

"One Thousand Nights aren't exactly welcome everywhere, are they?"

His tone was casual, but he saw how Ali Baba's fingers twitched slightly.

"Merchants from the Dark Continent? Half the cities here try to tax you harder; some won't even let you camp near their gates. If trouble comes, you need numbers. Trusted numbers. And from what I've seen, you're a little short on that."

Layla's arms tightened over her chest, but said nothing.

Ali Baba, though—he just chuckled, low and thoughtful.