Chapter 25
Mia stepped into the oppressive darkness of the cave, navigating the shadows until he reached the inner sanctum where the ghost beast leader, Bertram, resided.
A central fire cast a flickering, golden glow over Bertram's wicked, handsome features. He looked at Mia with a thin, knowing smile, his hoarse voice echoing through the stone chamber. "I recognize you."
Mia didn't waste time on pleasantries. "Five days from now, be at the outskirts of our tribe," he stated flatly. "The thing you want will be there."
A predatory light sparked in Bertram's red eyes. "And how do I know this isn't an ambush?"
Mia's expression hardened with impatience. "The most beautiful female in the land. Take the offer or leave it."
Bertram leaned forward. The most beautiful? "The one who saved the others from the serpent?"
"The same," Mia confirmed.
Bertram stood, stalking toward Mia with a cold, mocking curl of his lip. "Why should I trust a word you say?"
