Last chance

[Sören]

He listened, expression bland as he filtered through the plentiful detail -- some of it startling familiar. Nothing in the boy's earnestness swayed him, and though he absorbed everything carefully he did not become swept up in that dark tide. Just stood, immovable; let the plea wash over him. Elias provided him with all the information he needed, including coordinates, and with one of these guardians already slain by his hand, there was no reason to strike an alliance. He could do this alone, if he chose. If he was willing to pay whatever sacrifice might be asked of him in return.

The prize alone tempted him; stroking at his covetous side, wrapping possessive fingers around his heart.

But the unique resonance luring Elias must mean he was able to draw on the Runes himself. It also meant there was little reason he should not have been able to claim the objects as his own before now, supposing it did not come down to simple ineptness. Which would not make the most useful of allies. Except perhaps as bait. Not that Soren was entirely inclined towards such expenditure.

"I could do this on my own,"
he pointed out mildly. "But let me humour this. You would be asking me to help hunt a treasure you would be loath to give up."