"Worse," Damian replied. "He's stupid enough to think I'm distracted."
The wind shifted faintly across the ridge, but neither of them moved.
Max crossed his arms. "Does Gabriel know?"
"No," Damian said. "And he won't. Not until I'm done."
Max gave a slow exhale through his nose. "You're going to break him."
"I'm going to unwrap him," Damian said coldly. "Layer by layer. Until I know every name he's spoken to, every coin he's passed, and every whisper he's fed to George."
He turned his gaze back toward the field, where Shadows clashed in perfect silence.
"And then I'll let Gregoris decide if he's worth burying whole."
Max's voice was quiet but clear. "You can deal with Callahan. I'll take care of George."
Damian didn't look away from the field. "You're asking for permission."
"I'm not asking," Max replied. "I'm informing you before it's too late to retract the blade."
That earned Damian's attention.
