I am the protector of balance, Cassian. And that balance demands that Northvale—and your father's ambitions—never be fully unleashed. Your technology is too dangerous to be left without strict oversight."
"The balance you protect is an illusion. You work for Coven," I accused.
"Coven is a means to an end. Our end goal is preventing total destruction. Your father nearly destroyed the world for the sake of one technological protocol. I work to ensure that legacy is never activated again."
He stood, his posture rigid, exactly as I remembered when I was a child looking up at him in awe.
"I reject your philosophy," I said, drawing my pistol, which felt light and meaningless compared to the betrayal I felt. "I am entitled to my father's legacy, not you. And I won't let you use it against the
