Chapter 93: the bargain

Chapter 93: The Bargain

Varyn’s eyes gleamed with mischief as he circled the group, his presence unnervingly calm amid the oppressive energy of the forest. Anita could feel the weight of his gaze, and though she gripped her staff tightly, she couldn’t shake the unease crawling down her spine.

"So," Varyn began, his voice dripping with mockery, "you’ve come to my domain, desperate and foolish. What makes you think I owe you anything, Jace?"

Jace’s eyes never left him. "You owe me nothing, but this is bigger than me, bigger than all of us. If we don’t stop what’s coming, even you won’t be safe, Varyn."

Varyn feigned a yawn. "Doomsday speeches bore me. Get to the point."

Anita stepped forward, her voice steady despite the knot of fear in her chest. "We’re here for information about the Obsidian Forest and how to stop the Rift. You know something, don’t you?"