Ivor looked at Nara's outstretched hand. For a brief moment, his thoughts drifted over the course of his life. He had survived by observation, by distance, by silence. He had never entered into a formal agreement with anyone. This was unfamiliar territory.
This was new.
But Nara had already delivered what he promised—skills and information. There had been no deception so far.
After a short pause, Ivor raised his hand and clasped Nara's firmly.
Nara's shoulders eased almost instantly, and a visible relief spread across his face as a small smile appeared.
Nara, however, felt the partnership was a solid deal. He'd keep his cool and do whatever it took to keep Ivor on his side. Finding Ivor in the Scar felt like a huge opportunity. Nara cleared his throat as if to reset the moment into something ordinary.
"How old are you?" Nara asked.
"Twelve," Ivor replied. There were still two months before his birthday, but it was close enough.
