Merissa looked very different from Vaarh, even though they were both monsters, but she looked much more human than Vaarh.

However, regardless of their similarities or differences, only one thing mattered — they were both the Second Manifest Monsters. Their bodies were full of energy, and their abilities were incomparable to those of the Origins, such as Kreyn or Groza.

Only the Wurhen Family, led by Ardur, posed a threat to them, enough that even Vaarh, with all his abilities, did not dare to go against the Wurhen Family until Kreyn appeared.

But what could Kreyn offer Merissa for her help? He had nothing else. He had come to the Crimson Crystal Cavern to get something.

Well, he didn't need to give her anything, just show her what opportunities could open up for her.

"Are you preparing for war against the Wurhen Family?" Merissa touched her lips with a sly smile. "And you even managed to make a deal with that old man Vaarh? Not bad, not bad at all, for someone who was rotting in a dark cage next to rats a few days ago."

Kreyn waved his hand carelessly.

"Thanks. It's no big deal, at least for now, with my death approaching with every passing hour, I can't relax."

Step.

Merissa stepped forward as her wings spread wide, blocking the light from the red crystals and casting a threatening shadow over them.

"I like you, Kreyn. You're weak but bold. However, if you want my help, you'll have to offer something in return. Vaarh... He's had problems with the Wurhen Family for a long time, but I haven't. What you offered him, you must offer me."

Daren and Groza exchanged glances. They understood that their negotiating position was weak. They had no money, no Artifacts, not even gold.

"Nothing."

Kreyn stared at Merissa.

"Right now, I can't give you anything."

Merissa narrowed her eyes, and in a heartbeat, she was in front of him. Her long claws dug into his chest, and a trickle of blood ran down.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

She could feel his heart beating fast and hard, but not from fear, but like someone who had bet his life at a casino and was about to win.

"You... If you have nothing, then why did you come to me? What are you counting on, stupid human?"

Kreyn looked straight into her eyes.

"Well, you see, you only have two choices. Either do nothing or help me."

"Hmm... Suppose I don't want to help an arrogant worm like you. What will happen then? Will you get angry and kill me? If that's your plan, I'm afraid it's doomed to failure. I'll burn you and eat you as a delicacy."

Kreyn shook his head.

"No, not me. The Wurhen Family."

Frowning, Merissa tilted her head.

"What does that mean? Unlike you, I'm not going to fight them."

"Yeah? Are you sure about that?"

Kreyn grabbed her wrist, not to remove her razor-sharp claws, but to show his determination.

"Without your help, I will most likely lose. Vaarh is strong, but his abilities are limited on the surface. If I fall, the Wurhen Family's fury will spread throughout the region. First, they will destroy Boneveil Village, regain control of the prison and mines, and sooner or later they will get here, won't they?"

It sounded like a threat, which Merissa didn't like, but at the same time, she knew Kreyn was right. The Wurhen Family had already tried to work with her once, but she had refused them.

If she remained the only independent force in the region, she would fall just like the rest.

"But if you help me, if I turn the Wurhen Family, then there will be no more such threats!"

Merissa narrowed her eyes. "You speak well, conveniently forgetting that it all started with you. Maybe I should just rip your head off and give it to the Wurhen Family? I can do it with the snap of my fingers."

"Go ahead, do it." Kreyn shrugged. "I'm sure the Wurhen Family will thank you and reward you appropriately, rather than trying to take control of the entire region so that no one else has the opportunity to revolt as I did."

Silence.

Merissa pondered. She was at an impasse. Whether she ignored the situation or helped the Wurhen Family, it would end badly for her either way.

There was only one option left:

"I see... You knew I had no choice. However, I'm not going to fight on your side."

"Of course. I just need your help. Artifacts are constantly being born in this cave, and I'm sure there are many useful items in your collection."

Merissa was about to object, but Kreyn beat her to it.

"Give me a weapon that will help me defeat the Wurhen Family and their army of servants! In return, you can have everything!"

"Everything?" Merissa was puzzled. "What does that mean?"

Kreyn grinned — they had reached the part that had appeared in his mind when Malin told them about the greedy monster ruling the fiery caves.

"Well, according to our deal, you will give us artifacts from your collection, so you will have the opportunity to take yours from the Wurhen Family's vault. They surely have many powerful artifacts."

In a heartbeat, Kreyn's black eyes became two spinning abysses reflecting the greed they both shared.

"Just imagine what you could get if you help me win! Your help will be nothing more than an investment in a bright future!"

Merissa stepped back, drops of blood dripping from her claws.

"A bright future? Hah... only if you don't burn up before then."

Flames appeared around her as she smirked.

"Fine. I agree. It's a dangerous bet, but it's in my spirit! However, we must make a contract. I need to know I can trust you."

"Hmm? You want to sign a document?" Kreyn was taken aback.

Merissa shook her head.

"That's one option, but it's enough to give your word or any other action that would unite our intentions."

"And? What do you want me to do?"

In response, flames surrounded them as she leaned forward. Now, their eyes were level, and their foreheads almost touched.

"One kiss will be the seal that binds our agreement. Or..." Merissa's voice dropped to a dangerous whisper. "Are you afraid of getting burned? I warn you, you won't get away from me without burns."

With a broad grin, Kreyn stepped forward, feeling the heat emanating from Merissa, from her fierce flame.

"Go ahead, it will be the best kiss of your life!"

"Hah, you insolent bastard..." Merissa leaned forward. "That's what I love most!"

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