Aaron
Mercy is never free.
That’s the lie people tell themselves when they want to believe kindness costs nothing, when they want to feel good about a decision without tracing its consequences outward, into resentment, into doubt, into the small fractures that only show up later.
Mercy is paid for later.
Quietly.
In places no one sees.
I remain seated long after Reza leaves, eyes fixed on the door as if it might explain something I already understand. The click of it closing still echoes faintly in my ears, not loud, not dramatic.
Just final.
The decision is made.
Logged.
Contained.
I’ve already informed Carl and Jason through the mindlink.
Roster adjustment: Brianna Hale — Pack School Intake / Guard Escort Required.
A name that has never been there before, and neither of the
