Inside a dimly lit room in one of the hotels within the black market,
"Here..." Aether said, extending a thick wad of money towards Kaelen, who looked up with wide eyes, his expression a mixture of confusion and surprise, "What's this for?" he asked, his voice laced with hesitation.
"For helping me," Aether replied, a small, sincere smile tugging at his lips. He had gotten more than he ever hoped for, and despite the circumstances, Kaelen had been and really helped him... even if he had been forced into it.
Kaelen awkwardly looked at Aether, "I... I was just helping because my mother asked me to. I don't know if I deserve this," he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper, laden with uncertainty.
