“Intent doesn’t erase effect,” I say, voice rough. “You can stand there and tell yourself you did the moral math, but my reality doesn’t change. I went from being almost‑owned by one monster to actually‑owned by another. I just didn’t know the exact price until now.”
His jaw ticks.
“I never once called you a purchase,” he says. “You’re the one who keeps putting that word in your own mouth.”
“Because it’s the truth,” I say. “I am literally a line item on your ledger. Do you know what that feels like? Knowing every time you look at me, you can attach a monetary figure and a list of risks?”
“I knew those risks before I signed the transfer,” he says. “I knew loving you when I was young made enemies. This just put a number on it.”
The word *loving* hangs there, sour and sweet.
“Don’t,” I
