"Even so..."
Ren kept reading the contract, carefully examining every clause before signing.
"It's our only option."
Without looking up, he added in a matter-of-fact tone,
"I don't want us getting separated."
He paused briefly.
"You're... very useful."
The words left his mouth so naturally that he didn't even realize how they sounded.
Elena, however, did.
Warmth instantly spread across her cheeks.
Her heartbeat quickened.
Her palms grew damp.
For reasons she couldn't explain, she suddenly wanted to flee the room altogether.
She knew Ren had meant it pragmatically.
He was simply stating that she was an indispensable companion.
Yet...
Something about hearing those words from him made her chest tighten.
Before she could collect herself, Ren finished reading the contract.
Satisfied that there were no hidden clauses or Fey tricks buried within the wording, he signed his name.
The scroll shimmered briefly before the ink glowed emerald.
[Quest Contract Established.]
