Valerian stared at him.
"Why would they think I'd agree to that?"
"Because you're not a god, Valerian. You're human. And the power you wield now—unchecked, directionless—will eventually destroy everything you swore to protect."
He paused, letting the weight of those words settle.
"I've seen the other timelines. In every one, the First Key either submits... or collapses."
"And this one?" Valerian asked.
Caelum's expression darkened. "This one is already off-script."
Selene stepped forward. "We've heard enough."
Lira cracked her knuckles. "Let me guess. If he says no, you kill him?"
Caelum met their glares with calm indifference. "I don't want to kill him. But I will bind him, if needed. We can't have a rogue key roaming freely while the other pillars begin to stir."
Valerian finally unsheathed Vesperfang. The blade hummed with his soul, brighter than before, newly forged without system restraints.
"You're not binding me, Caelum."
