"Yes," Adriana said.
The word landed clean. Unapologetic.
"I'm using your sister as leverage to ensure a rogue hunter with unstable abilities does not jeopardize thousands of lives while we are holding back an ocean of monsters above these grounds."
Her eyes never wavered.
His hardened. "And here I thought you were all about saving people."
"We are," Adriana said.
Her voice dropped slightly. Lost its sterile edge. Took on the faint burn of steel.
"That is exactly why I cannot afford a single misstep. Not from you. Not from anyone."
The way she said it made the room feel smaller. Even the soft hum of the table seemed to fade, leaving only her voice and the pressure behind it.
Jagger sat there for a long second, saying nothing, the holographic document washing pale light across his face. His fingers flexed once against the armrest. Then again.
Inside, he could feel them listening.
Ophilia, cold and watchful.
Zumthor, restless and hungry.
Neither spoke.
