I took you because you were the one thing he couldn’t ignore. Not for cruelty — for leverage. My plans needed obedience, and heroes only listen when something precious is on the line. I made sure he knew exactly where you were, exactly what would happen if he failed.

I asked him to choose. You, or the world. I was already certain of the answer — already watching his face for the hesitation. He chose the world without it. For a moment, I just stare at him, genuinely stunned.