Gregoris approached the side of the bath but didn't sit. Just stood there like a walking embodiment of disappointment.
Gregoris approached the side of the bath but didn't sit. Just stood there—like a fully armed verdict in a pressed uniform.
"You realize," he said, "if you'd told us what you were planning, we could've shielded you. Buffer wards. Emergency pulls. Someone could've stood with you."
Damian's jaw tightened. "That's exactly why I didn't."
Gregoris's eyes narrowed.
"I didn't want anyone near it," Damian continued, voice low but steady. "That kind of channeling—it looks for a path. It doesn't care who. Every person within range becomes an option. And most of you would've lasted seconds."
"You think I care about the risk?"
"I do," Damian snapped. Then quieter, but still sharp: "I did the math. I knew I'd survive."
Gregoris froze.
