You tell Mira only what she needs to know.

“I’m looking for something in the Sunken Library. An artifact. It’s important—for Eldermoor, for everyone. But I can’t tell you more than that.”

She raises an eyebrow. “You expect me to guide you into one of the most dangerous places in the wastes, and you won’t even tell me why?”

“I’m asking you to trust me.”

“Trust.” She laughs, but there’s no humor in it. “Trust is expensive out here. People who trust too easily don’t survive.”

“Then don’t trust me. Trust that I wouldn’t have come all this way, through the wastes, alone, if it wasn’t important. Trust that whatever I’m looking for matters more than my life.”

She studies you across the fire. “You believe that. I can see it.” A long pause. “Fine. I’ll take you to the library entrance. But I’m not going inside. Whatever you’re looking for, you’re on your own once we get there.”

“That’s not—”

“That’s my offer.” Her voice hardens. “Take it or find another guide. There aren’t any.”

You have no choice. Partial trust buys partial help.

“Deal.”

She nods, settling back against her pack. “Two days east. We leave at dawn. Get some sleep—you’ll need it.”

But as you try to rest, you notice her watching you. Curious. Suspicious.

She knows you’re hiding something. And in the wastes, secrets can be deadly.