Violence always believes it will be misunderstood.
It never expects to be recognized.
⸻
The Ministry does not speak the next morning.
That is how Jason knows they are not regrouping.
They are deciding how much blood they are willing to justify.
“They’ve locked internal channels,” Jason says quietly, eyes scanning dead feeds and sealed relays. “No leaks. No chatter. That means the decision is centralized now.”
Zane stands at the edge of the courtyard, the heir warm against his chest, the child’s breathing slow and even. He does not look alarmed.
“That means no one wants responsibility,” Zane replies. “Only authority.”
Jason swallows.
“That’s worse.”
Zane nods once.
“Yes.”
⸻
The first move comes without warning.
Not an assault.
A restriction.
Transit routes into three cooper
