---
A Dangerous Proposition
Mallory kept her expression neutral. "You didn't come here just to introduce yourself."
Riven smirked. "No, I didn't." He stepped closer, his eyes gleaming in the dim light. "I came to offer you a deal."
Quinn scoffed. "Oh, this should be good."
Riven ignored him. "You're standing at the center of a storm, Mallory. The world is shifting, and countless forces are watching—some with curiosity, some with fear."
Mallory raised a brow. "And you?"
Riven smiled again. "I see an opportunity."
Greg crossed his arms. "And what exactly do you want?"
Riven studied Mallory carefully, then said, "I want to help you."
Silence.
Then—
Quinn laughed. "Right. Because the Shadow Broker is just so generous."