Axel and Arthur returned to the dense forest where Becca and Atlas waited.

  The air was thick with tension, though it was clear the two warriors had emerged victorious.

  Atlas, reclining casually near his enormous rose, clapped his hands in mock applause, "It seems the three of us will be working together from now on," he said, his tone dripping with amusement, "Let's move on to negotiations. What do you expect from us druids?"

  Before Becca could speak, Axel appeared beside her in a blur of motion, startling her.

  He wasted no time, "We have a few requests," he began, his voice sharp and direct. "We require access to druidic magic, the construction of an essence fountain filled with your magical essence, full support in conflicts excluding the Heavenly Army and the elves, and unrestricted passage for Neverport civilians in your forest. Those are our terms."

  Becca blinked in surprise.

  Axel's confidence and preparation were apparent.

  He already knew exactly what the village needed and didn't hesitate to demand it.

  Atlas's smirk faltered as he listened, the lines on his face tightening, "Ambitious, aren't you?" he said, his tone edged with disdain, "I can agree to provide fifteen units of artificial magic every two weeks and supply the fountain with my essence. But as for supporting you in conflicts—absolutely not. We druids will not involve ourselves in your wars. And while I will allow your civilians passage, you'll need to give us at least one day's notice."

  Axel sighed, undoing his ponytail and letting his hair fall loose. "That sounds fair enough. Is there anything you expect from us in return?"

  Atlas circled them, his predatory gaze studying Axel and Becca like prey, "Yes. Neverport's leaders must grant my people access to your settlement. Should we request aid, your village will provide it without delay. Additionally, three buildings will be constructed in Neverport to signify our alliance with your village, and your people will maintain them. That is all."

  Axel nodded in agreement, but before he could finalize the deal, Becca stepped forward, her brow furrowed in frustration. "Why do we have to help you, but you won't help us? How is that fair?"

  Atlas turned to Axel with a raised eyebrow, as if expecting him to explain.

  Axel ran a hand through his hair, exhaling heavily. "It's because of a treaty," he said, his irritation thinly veiled. "The elf, druid, and siren nations have a pact that forbids involvement in human and their wars. I was hoping Atlas had severed ties with them, but I was wrong. Besides, we're asking for magic—something humans don't naturally possess. That alone makes their offer more significant than the terms they're asking for."

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  Atlas moved closer to Axel, draping an arm casually over his shoulder in a way that felt far too familiar, "He's right, human girl," he said, "Magic is a divine gift your God chose not to give humanity. By offering you access to it, I'm already defying divine law. If the other nations learn of this, it could lead to... complications. Do you understand now?"

  Becca glanced at Axel, who nodded silently, his expression unreadable, "I understand," she said reluctantly, "Will there be a cost for the essence fountain and the artificial magic?"

  Atlas's lips curled into a calm, knowing smile. "This first transaction will be free, as a gesture of goodwill. But refueling the fountain will cost five gold coins per unit of essence. Do we have a deal?"

  Becca hesitated, unsure whether to shake his outstretched hand. Axel's silent nod gave her the encouragement she needed, "We accept," she said, clasping his hand firmly.

  "Excellent!" Atlas exclaimed. "I'll have the essence delivered in ring form shortly. Now, if you don't mind, I suggest you take your leave. I have other matters to attend to."

  Axel whistled for Diego, who trotted over obediently.

  Mounting the horse, Axel gave Atlas a polite yet insincere smile, "Thank you for this partnership. Let's hope there are no... misunderstandings between our settlements."

  Becca climbed onto Diego behind Axel, "Thanks for your time. I'd like to learn more about your people someday," she said, earning a genuine laugh from Atlas before he dismissed them with a wave.

  As they rode out of the forest in silence, Becca hesitated before speaking. "Hey, I—"

  "Not yet," Axel interrupted. "We'll talk once we're clear of the forest."

  The trail eventually led them out of the druids' territory and toward the path back to Neverport.

  Only then did Axel speak, "This is an 'I use you, you use me' relationship," he said bluntly. "And in the future, it will likely lead to war."

  Becca nearly fell off the horse. "War? What do you mean?"

  "I've dealt with druids before...Atlas was too eager to ask for favors. He'll demand more in the future, each request riskier than the last and offering us little in return." he said

  Becca leaned her head against Axel's back, guilt weighing heavily on her, "I think I made a mistake," she admitted softly.

  Axel glanced back at her, his voice softening slightly, "Don't be so hard on yourself. Any alliance would've come with consequences, but this one was the best option. For now."

  After a moment of silence, Becca's curiosity got the better of her, "What's so special about your right arm? How can you use magic if humans can't?"

  Axel abruptly stopped Diego, the sudden motion jarring Becca.

  She jumped back, worried she'd overstepped. "Wait, I didn't mean—"

  Axel cut her off, "In my life, only two people have defeated me. The first was my older brother. I carry his amulet as a reminder of our fight."

  Slowly, he began unwrapping the bandages on his right arm, "The second was an angel. He spared my life but took my arm as a trophy—and left me with this."

  When the bandages fell away, Becca gasped.

  His arm shimmered with an otherworldly glow, the intricate markings radiating divine energy, "An angel's arm..." she whispered, realization dawning on her.

  No wonder Atlas had been so intrigued.

  As symbols began to glow across his arm, Axel turned to face her, his eyes burning brighter than ever.