"I'll help you," Cyrus said.
His voice carried across the black sand with deliberate precision.
"But I have conditions."
Elias tilted his head, inviting Cyrus to continue.
"Kane's body remains intact and preserved."
Cyrus's claws flexed against the volcanic sand.
"The hatchling stays unharmed throughout the entire process."
He met Elias's amber gaze.
"And you provide the means to resurrect Kane immediately after the forging is complete."
Elias considered the demands for several long moments.
"I accept your conditions."
His response came smoothly.
Too smoothly.
"Kane will be preserved in stasis. The hatchling will remain untouched. And you will have what you need to restore your fox."
The wording carried deliberate gaps.
Cyrus heard them clearly.
Preserved didn't specify condition or duration.
Untouched avoided defining harm.
What you need made no promise the resurrection would succeed.
But Cyrus possessed no leverage to negotiate further.
