The silence between them stretched.
Merlin leaned back against the wall. Arms folded.
Not resting. Just waiting.
Flint stood across the room.
Still.
Unmoving.
But inside?
Something shifted.
He didn't show it.
Didn't twitch.
Didn't even blink.
But the world felt… louder.
Not the room.
Not the system.
Something else.
A voice.
It didn't echo.
Didn't announce itself.
Just slid in behind his thoughts like it had always been there.
[??? is watching you.]
[The Mask of Mirrors turns.]
[You interest him.]
"Calculating. Detached. Dangerous. You wear it well."
Flint's jaw tightened. Only slightly.
Not enough for Merlin to notice.
The voice continued.
"They trust him. The golden boy. The strategist. The survivor."
"They'll follow him into fire."
"But not you."
"Not until you put his head in your hand."
Flint didn't speak.
Even in his own mind.
The god laughed.
Not loud.
Just amused.
"You know it's true. He shines too bright. He draws too much."
