"You and your clan ensure protection for the Kitsune Clan while I'm away."
A beat of silence passed before Damon continued.
"This isn't charity," he said evenly. "If I'm going to move under your arrangement, I'm not leaving the clan exposed to any threats."
Yoru studied him for a moment, the smile on her lips not fading, just changing shape.
The amusement was replaced by assessment.
"You're negotiating," she said softly.
"I'm setting terms," Damon corrected.
That earned a faint exhale from her, almost like approval.
"Interesting," Yoru murmured. "You accept being taken… but only if you control what you leave behind."
Her gaze drifted briefly past him, toward the Kitsune territory below.
Then her eyes returned to him.
"Very well," she said. "The clan will not be touched." A moment of pause passed between her words. "But don't misunderstand something."
Her smile returned, though slightly thinner now. "This doesn't make you mine any less."
