“Not without destabilizing the entire ward network.”
Meaning if we try to cut it out—
We open the compound.
“She’s not trying to breach anymore,” I say slowly.
“She’s building a backdoor,” Kade replies.
Morgan nods.
“She’s creating controlled points of weakness.”
The realization makes something click in my head.
“She’s not attacking the fortress.”
“She’s reshaping it.”
Exactly.
Lilith doesn’t destroy systems.
She co-opts them.
Ashcroft infiltrated the Council.
Lilith infiltrates wards.
The Covenant doesn’t break power structures.
They bend them.
“She’s playing long game,” Kieran mutters.
“No,” I correct.
“She’s accelerating.”
Again.
Always faster.
Always forcing reaction.
And we keep reacting.
That night, I dream.
Not dream.
Drift.
The moment sleep loosens my con
