"An alliance?"
Isaryne let out a cold snort, clearly about to shut him down, but Ethan cut her off before she could even get the words out.
"I know exactly what you're thinking," he said, his tone calm but firm. "You probably think Emerald Castle isn't strong enough to be worth your time. That someone like you—Crimson Ultimate, second awakening—shouldn't have to team up with someone like me."
He took a step forward, locking eyes with her.
"But I've got news for you."
"Seraphina—she's on the verge of her second awakening."
The moment the words left his mouth, Isaryne's expression froze. Her eyes snapped to Seraphina, flickering with something unreadable.
"And?" she said coolly after a beat. "Even if she is about to awaken again, what's that got to do with me?"
"Why wouldn't it?" Ethan smiled, his voice light but laced with challenge. "Once she awakens, you won't be able to beat her."
"What did you just say?!"