Seven minutes passed before the decisive moment.
Lucian was defeated again.
But unlike before, his face glowed with exhilaration rather than frustration.
He had lasted longer.
Improved.
As agreed, another two hundred gold coins changed hands. Another forty single-shot pistols were prepared.
Kiara felt her profits climbing steadily.
She turned toward the counter while instructing Zion to retrieve inventory from storage.
That was when something unexpected occurred.
Lucian did not return to the carriage.
Instead, she followed Kiara inside.
When Zion disappeared into the storage room, Lucian finally spoke.
"Miss Kiara," he began evenly, "your servant is wasting his talent here."
Kiara's expression shifted slightly.
"I offer two thousand gold coins," Lucian continued, gaze unwavering, "for you to give him to me."
Silence fell.
Kiara's eyes narrowed.
"Give him?" she repeated slowly.
