[ That does get a smile out of him, slight but true, though it's hard to tell if it's one of annoyance or if he's genuinely pleased. Clever Alina, smart and far more observant than others have given her credit for.

The Darkling included, apparently. ]

It would be foolish for either of us to make enemies with those already here, given our common enemy is whoever brought us here.

[ A light warning for her to keep her mouth shut about what's happened, one he'll voice aloud in a moment--tentatively, he's agreeing to the deal. He allows his features to soften as he circles back to her proposal. ]

All I wanted was for us to be equals, Alina.