Candidness
"You can choose to join or return to Breeze City." Antalya paused, her gaze lingering on Howard and Ali's faces for a few seconds each. "I'll still help you with your identity documents, but that's as far as I go. I won't be able to offer you any more assistance. Also, if you decide to disclose this matter..."
Although she didn't spell out the consequences, both could feel a chill from her words.
Antalya's decision to reveal this secret was clearly not intended for them to use as leverage but as an act of openness.
Or perhaps, a trade.
Her secret for theirs.
If they chose to partake in this quest, it was evident they would need to be forthcoming about their own origins, exchanging secrets for secrets.
Otherwise, their relationship with Antalya would not extend beyond that of employer and employee.
For Howard, this was far from good news.