A new Ally

Septa

"You're bluffing," he said. "There's no way a weakling like you knows how to fix that door. You can barely manage a full day of work, and now you expect me to believe you're good with machinery?"

Septa sighed. "Suit yourself. I'll find another bunker. There are other things I know how to do to prepare for what's coming, and I don't need to waste my time convincing you."

She picked up her bag and turned toward the exit. She wasn't happy about leaving the bunker, but there were other bunkers in another part of town that she could investigate. They weren't as large or as secure, and their wiring was unreliable, but they were still options.

She took a few steps, hoping he would reconsider. If he let her walk away, he would be the one losing out.

"Wait!"

Septa stopped and turned around.

He stared at her for a moment before letting out an annoyed breath. "Fine. We'll discuss an agreement. If we're going to share this place, we'll need rules. We'll also have to agree on how we'll divide responsibilities and supplies."

She waited for him to continue.

"But first, I want to see you fix that door. If you actually know what you're doing, I'll consider letting you stay."

A smile spread across Septa's face as she walked back toward him. She set her bag down beside the control panel and examined the mechanism.

Without asking for permission, she picked up a screwdriver from his supplies and loosened the bolts around the panel. After adjusting the damaged connection and shifting a small metal component into place, she tightened everything again.

The control panel flickered before lighting up.

The man leaned forward, his expression changing as the indicators came on.

"Wow. You really know your stuff."

"Don't get too excited." Septa straightened and put the screwdriver down. "I haven't fixed the entire door. I've only restored the controls. The locking mechanism still needs work."

His smile faded slightly.

"I'll finish the repairs once we're agreed on the terms of our arrangement," she continued. "I'm not going to do all the work only for you to turn around and throw me out."

He studied her with a new expression, as though he was reconsidering his first impression of her.

"Fine," he said. "Let's talk. Since we plan to work together, I think we should start by getting to know each other. My name is Christos, and I'm from the Black Moon Pack."

Septa studied his face more carefully as his name rang a bell.

"Black Moon Pack? That's one of the biggest packs in this region."

"Yes, it is."

"Wait, I think I've seen you before. I used to deliver some supplies for my mother there. I remember seeing you around the pack."

"That's possible. My father rules the pack."

Septa's eyes widened. "So you're the heir?"

He gave her a warning look. "I'd appreciate it if you didn't make a big deal out of that. Now, can you introduce yourself? We don't have all day."

She swallowed the questions that came to mind.

"My name is Septa. I'm a weakling from the Greenstone family. We live in one of the smaller settlements nearby. I'm my parents' fourth daughter, and unlike my sisters, I never developed any powers. I can't cast spells, so I couldn't attend Dandelion School."

Christos looked at her with renewed interest.

"Then how did you acquire all that knowledge? You seem to know more about this bunker than someone like you should."

"An expert never reveals her secrets."

He stared at her for a moment before shaking his head.

"Fine. Keep your secrets. We have more important things to discuss."

He was right. They needed to establish their arrangement before either of them invested more in the bunker.

"From what I've seen, you have better access to supplies, food, and money than I do," Septa began. "I have some resources, but they're limited. We can combine what we have. I'll use my technical knowledge to repair the bunker, improve its security, fix the lighting, and handle other important systems. You'll provide the supplies and equipment we need."

"And what stops you from taking advantage of me?" he asked.

"The same thing that stops you from taking advantage of me."

He raised an eyebrow. "Which is?"

"We need an agreement that neither of us can easily break."

A written contract wouldn't be enough. He could tear it up, and she had no reason to trust that his position as the pack heir would make him keep his word. Besides, she needed something that would prevent either of them from locking the other out or claiming the bunker as their own.

"I suggest we establish a mutual claim over the bunker," she said. "Neither of us can change the locks, deny the other access, or remove the other's belongings without mutual consent. We keep a shared record of every supply contributed and every major repair completed. If either of us wants to end the arrangement, we have to agree on how to settle our contributions first."

"And if one of us breaks those rules?"

"Then we agree on a penalty before we begin. Something neither of us can afford to lose."

Christos folded his arms, considering her proposal.

At least Septa wasn't alone. She'd found someone who could work with her to build the bunker. The only problem was that her trust had worn thin. She had to keep her eyes open. She had found an ally. Now, she needed to make sure he stayed one.

And with their first agreement within reach, the real preparation for the bunker could finally begin.