Serena crossed her arms. "Damn right it is. The moment we walk away, we become loose ends."
Asher nodded. "Exactly. Which is why I need to at least pretend to play along."
Serena's eyes widened. "You're thinking of infiltrating them?"
"It's the only way to learn what they're really planning," Asher said. "They've been ahead of us this entire time. We can't keep fighting blindly."
Serena gritted her teeth. "And what if they see through it? What if they know you're lying and you walk straight into a trap?"
Asher smirked. "Then I'll make sure they regret it."
Serena groaned, rubbing her temples. "You're impossible."
"I'm realistic," Asher corrected. "Right now, we don't have enough power to take them head-on. If they're willing to invite me into their ranks, I can use that to our advantage."
Serena stared at him, her expression conflicted. "This is reckless, even for you."
Asher met her gaze. "It's necessary."
A tense silence stretched between them.
