"After all," Antonio said, his grin stretching wide and unsettling across his pale face, "there's nothing more valuable than the seed of someone strong."
His voice carried through the thick ocean water, laced with amusement and twisted fascination. The way he said it.. so casually, as if he was discussing something as simple as a trade deal made both Maria and Neptunia's expressions freeze for a moment.
Then Maria let out a slow whistle, her lips curling into a smirk. "I think he likes you too," she said teasingly, her tone dripping with sarcasm as her gaze flicked toward Razeal. "Seems like this place really likes you, huh?"
Razeal turned his head slightly, his dark eyes narrowing sharply at her. That single look was enough to make her shrug and lift her hands half-heartedly in surrender. "Alright, alright," she muttered. "Just saying."
Without breaking his cold expression, Razeal's gaze shifted back toward Antonio. His tone stayed level, almost bored. "What's the other deal?"
