Rita watched as Rick's head quietly lowered, seemingly focused on his meal, but she knew this was his habitual way of hiding his expression.
*Is he interested?* She mused. *Of course, he couldn't help but be.*
The reasons Zoey wanted the Flood Dragon all applied to Rick as well: to grow stronger, gain control, and confront his hidden enemies. Rita only needed to subtly ignite this spark of interest, and soon, it was clear her words had sparked a wildfire in Rick's mind.
*"What's a contract? If I get the Flood Dragon, I can make it restrain Zoey and force her to alter the terms."*
*"So what if my attributes and life points were reduced? Would she dare gamble with her own life?"*
*"Sure, Zoey promised to find me a dragon after this… but what if it never happens?"* Rita seized this line of thought, gently nudging it further.