"Define partnership."
Andres' voice remained steady, but his mind moved rapidly.
Lyra didn't hesitate.
"I provide protection. Information. Market access."
She stepped closer to the counter, placing her hand lightly against the wood.
"You provide supply."
Simple.
Clear.
But layered.
"…And control?" Andres asked.
A faint smile appeared.
"Shared."
Kael let out a quiet laugh.
"Yeah… that's not vague at all."
Lyra ignored him.
Her eyes remained locked on Andres.
"I'm not here to take what you've built," she said. "I'm here to ensure it survives."
That was the truth.
And the risk.
Because accepting meant exposure.
Refusing meant isolation.
Andres leaned slightly against the counter, thinking.
His Mind's Eye traced possibilities.
Acceptance led to accelerated growth—but deeper involvement.
Rejection led to independence—but increased vulnerability.
"…You're offering stability," he said.
"Yes."
"…At the cost of freedom."
Lyra didn't deny it.
"Everything has a cost."
Silence stretched.
Then—
"…Temporary," Andres said.
Lyra tilted her head slightly.
"Explain."
"A temporary partnership," he continued. "Defined terms. Limited scope."
A pause.
"…Evaluation period."
For the first time—
Lyra looked impressed.
"…You negotiate like someone far older than you are."
Andres didn't respond.
Because this wasn't negotiation.
It was survival—
At a higher level.