Page 173 of Crowned In Venom

No one does anything for free.

"What piece?" I ask.

Kareth’s smile turns sharp.

"Half."

I bark out a laugh. "You think I’m desperate enough to hand you half?"

He shrugs. "You have no empire left to give."

He’s right.

But I won’t show it.

"A quarter," I counter.

Kareth tilts his head. Considering.

"A third."

"A fifth," I bite back.

"A fourth, or you find another ally."

I hold his gaze.

It’s not ideal.

But I don’t have time to bargain longer.

And I need him.

"Fine."

Kareth grins, victorious.

"Then we have a deal."

52

VARKOS

Ipace the dimly lit chamber, my movements sharp, restless. Rage coils beneath my skin, barely leashed, a monster waiting to break free.

Kareth lounges in a high-backed chair, watching me with a smirk that barely conceals his amusement. The Ghost stands by the map sprawled across the table, silent, waiting.

"You’re going to wear a hole in the floor if you keep that up," Kareth drawls, his voice mocking.

"Shut up." My voice is razor-edged, not in the mood for his games.

I can’t do nothing.

I can’t stand here while she suffers.

Anya’s face flashes in my mind—pale, lifeless, crumpled in my arms.

The image claws at my insides, a brutal reminder of just how close I came to losing her.

---