—My name is Luis, current leader of the Creation Sect.
He took a sip of wine, enjoying its texture on his tongue before swallowing. It wasn't the best he'd ever tasted, but it had a certain character. The crystal goblet clinked barely as he set it down on the table.
—I'd like to spend the night with you... with full privileges.
Marin froze for an instant. The glass trembled slightly in his hand before he regained control. He hadn't expected something like that, so direct.
—Hehehehe, I'm joking. As much as anyone would like to hold a beautiful woman in their arms, I have more important matters at the moment.
Marin let out a small exhale, a smile that didn't entirely hide his surprise.
—You know many would say that being with me would be an honour—she replied, regaining her confidence with a seductive smile.
Luis held her gaze calmly. Then he barely bowed his head.
—In your sphere, maybe... but in mine, the honour would be yours.
A glint crossed Marin's eyes, but his expression remained serene. They both continued to drink, to analyse, to test each other. It was not just a casual chat. There was a silent battle going on, a dance of power where no gesture was accidental.
Then the mood changed.
Luis stopped smiling. His expression hardened, his eyes took on a different weight. Something primal and dark. He was no longer a man of fleeting pleasures or a playful interlocutor. No, in front of Marín was someone who demanded absolute seriousness.
—I need urgent information about the king and his descendants. Everything you have on this kingdom. —Each word fell with precision, like blows from a well-aimed hammer—, Absolutely everything.
Marín slid his fingers along the rim of his glass, as if the contact with the glass would help him think.
—That won't be cheap.
Luis didn't blink.
—Nothing in this life is. I also need you to send a secret message to my sect, untraceable. Just let them know it will take me longer than expected to return.
The woman nodded slowly.
—Besides, I want to acquire two slaves. A man experienced in assassination and a woman skilled in manners... and swordplay.
Marin barely swirled his glass, watching the reflection of the dark liquid.
—The message to your sect is easy to manage. The king's information too. The slaves I can deliver to you tomorrow. —A pause. Then she looked into his eyes carefully—, But can you pay for it?
Luis narrowed his eyes.
—I'm sure you need everything fast, but business is business. I want to see what you can offer. It's not cheap. As I recall, your sect is almost extinct. I don't think they have the resources for my services.
Luis exhaled calmly, his countenance unperturbed.
—Maybe it used to be like that... but if I came here it's because I can afford it. If I wanted to, I could buy you and your entire organisation. Nothing is impossible for me.
The words hung in the air like a sentence. Marin felt the confidence behind them, but also something else. Not just confidence. Something deeper. More dangerous.
—All right. The cost of the information and the message will be a thousand gold coins times ten. The slaves will depend on the ones you choose tomorrow. Plus, double the final value will be added for my time.
Luis waved a hand, completely unconcerned, and in an instant, a bag full of gold coins appeared on the table with a metallic clang.
—Here's an advance: thirty thousand gold coins. That covers the information and the message. The remainder is a tip for your sweet company.
Marin couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Gold, so much gold, appearing out of nowhere.
—What do you really want? -he asked finally, dropping any pretense.
Luis finished his glass and poured himself another drink in fluid motions.
—Nothing special. I just want our agreement to be not just business, but partnership. I want your organisation to inform me of any dangers to my sect. I will also need more information in the future... and more slaves.
Marín put his glass on the table.
—And what's in it for me? You know that, if I do so, I would betray the trust of those who ask for my services. Besides, not everything can be bought with money.
Luis bowed slightly, his fingers resting on the wood with studied calm.
—I know. But listen well to this, because I will not repeat it twice. In the future, I will rule the entire continent. I offer you, in addition to money, my trust.
He drank the rest of his wine.
—You will also have full control of information across the continent. Those who want to sell slaves will need your permission. Your hotel chain will be backed by me, as will your entertainment bars.
He stared at her.
—I'm not just offering you fortune. I'm offering you complete control of your organisation across the continent. No one will be able to order you around. I ask only for loyalty.
Marin was shocked by everything she heard. No one had ever uttered such accurate words. They didn't sound like empty promises; they were statements that sounded like a warning of the future.
—Your words are tempting... But is it something you can really offer?
Luis took the bottle and calmly poured another glass of wine. Only then did he hold it calmly, swirling the liquid in slow movements.
—You will know in the future. The real question is: do you want to bet on me, or will you continue to serve others for mere coin? Do you want to be in control of your destiny... or forever dependent on others?
The words struck Marin with unexpected force. It was such a simple yet terrifying proposition. Although her organisation had influence across the continent, the reality was that it depended on the services that others provided. She bought information, resources and power, but she never really owned it. She controlled nothing. She was the visible face, yes, but the strings were pulled by others.
This young man offered her the chance to change that. Not to depend on anyone, but to make others depend on her. If she didn't like someone, she would simply replace them. She would have complete control of her organisation... and her life.
—I agree.
The words were out of her mouth before she could think too hard. They were firm, without difficulty. His instinct overrode his reason. He didn't understand why, but one certainty burned inside him: refusal would have been the worst mistake of his life.
It was the first time she had ever bet her future on someone she barely knew.
Luis smiled sideways and approached her, raising his face with a single finger, with absolute confidence.
—The decision you made today... in the future you will see that it was the best of your life.
Then, as if nothing had happened, he returned to his seat.
—Remember our deal: absolute loyalty to me, and never hide anything from me. From now on we are partners.
Marin raised his glass with a smile.
—I pledge allegiance. May our partnership last a lifetime.
The glasses clinked in agreement. Never in her life had she imagined that she would agree to something so outlandish, nor that she would swear allegiance to a young man. And yet all this thrilled her.
Luis finished his wine and stood up calmly.
—Now that we have come to an agreement, I will leave. I will expect you tomorrow to guide me in the purchase of the slaves and deliver the information I asked for. Also send the message to my sect at once. There is no need to tell you where I am... after all, that is your hotel.
Marin let out a small laugh.
—Of course, I'll get right on it.
Luis headed for the door, but before he opened it, he stopped. He looked back with a knowing smile.
—Oh, also tell your two dogs who protect you to control their emotions. If they let them out... others will notice their presence.
The pause was calculated. Just long enough for the tension to become even more palpable.
Then, without further ado, he left the room.
Marin was silent for a moment. Then, unable to help himself, he began to laugh. A genuine, incredulous, amazed laugh.
At the sides of the room, like shadows emerging from nowhere, two hooded figures appeared.
—Miss... Are you sure about this? —one of them asked cautiously.
Marin was still smiling, his eyes sparkling with excitement.
—Of course I do. I trust him. Don't ask me why, but I do. Besides, tell me... how did he know about you?
The silence was absolute for a moment.
The Horizon brothers were a legend in this kingdom. Their cultivation was at the unique level. Hardly anyone could beat them. Noticing their presence was practically impossible. But this young man had sensed them from the beginning.
—What do you guys think?
The brothers looked at each other and, without hesitation, answered at the same time:
—We owe you our lives. If it were not for you, we would not exist today. We will follow you to death.
Marín kept smiling. Emotion turned to determination.
—Good. It's time to prove to our new partner that we're up to the level he expects.
He leaned forward, staring at the reflection in his empty glass. Today he had made an irreversible decision. He could no longer turn back. And strangest of all... he didn't want to.