The atmosphere in the tree house shifted abruptly as Oceanus made his shocking declaration.
"...As repayment... I want to become her mate."
Silence fell like a heavy curtain. Everyone froze, staring at Oceanus in disbelief. Even Simon looked stunned, his wide eyes darting from Oceanus to Kyra, unsure of what to say.
"You... boss... you..." Simon stammered, completely caught off guard.
Kyra's face mirrored the shock of everyone around her. She hadn't seen this coming at all. Her thoughts raced as she tried to process his words, her mind unable to catch up with what had just been said.
"Are you crazy?" Lucas exploded, his voice cutting through the silence, shock evident in his tone. He stood up abruptly, unable to sit still in the face of such a claim.
