Lucien leaned forward, his voice dropping slightly. "Tell me, merchants of the Shadow Kingdom, what exactly do you want?"
Riven's eyes gleamed beneath the shifting veil of darkness. "The same thing you do," he said smoothly. "Power. Control. Stability."
Lucien arched a brow. "And you believe the Deveroux Guild can help you achieve that?"
Riven's smile was razor-sharp. "I believe we can help each other."
Lucien studied him for a moment, then gestured lightly. "Go on."
Riven didn't hesitate. "I'm offering you an exclusive contract," he said smoothly. "For one year, the Deveroux Guild will have sole distribution rights to our herbs. No other merchant factions, no outside brokers—just you."
Lucien remained impassive. "And in exchange?"
