Azure nods, masking his surprise. "That would be great," he replies. "But I have to ask—why are you helping me? You don't even know me."
Taryn chuckles, his golden eyes gleaming in the dim, shifting light of the staircase. "Elite Warriors should help each other," he says simply. "Especially when we're both hybrids. It's rare enough to find someone like us. We've got to stick together."
Azure pauses, digesting the words. Before he can respond, the hybrid woman from the counter suddenly speaks up, her voice trembling slightly. "My deepest apologies, sir," she says, bowing her head deeply. Her glowing markings now pulse in shades of contrition. "I didn't realize your status. Please forgive my earlier mistake."
