OWNED BY THE DEVIL
If they were judging influence, they could judge it in the open.
One silhouette shifted slightly toward me.
“Elara Voss,” the voice said. Not a question.
“Yes,” I answered.
“You understand your presence increases conflict intensity.”
“Yes.”
“You understand removal decreases projected casualties.”
“No,” I said calmly.
A fractional pause. “Explain.”
“Because Helix Crown is not reacting to my presence,” I said. “They’re reacting to my alignment.”
“With him?” the voice asked.
“With the system he represents,” I corrected. “I’m proof your structure can evolve. That’s what they’re trying to kill.”