Aurelia kept looking at Damon.
"Is there a difference?"
"A big one."
"Dominion needs a bearer."
"That's what it said."
"Then, to remove me, you need to put someone else in my place."
Damon looked at the open golden symbol on his arm.
"That's what you assumed."
Vorn let out a tired laugh from where he was leaning against the wall.
"I'd like it noted that, for the first time, I'm curious to see where this stupidity is going."
Damon turned his head.
"You're bleeding on the floor."
"And yet I'm still following the reasoning."
"Then follow it quietly."
Ester pointed at Damon.
"You too."
"I'm necessary."
"Unfortunately."
Xue Lian had already moved closer. Her eyes traced the white lines of the true network, the open capsule, and the incomplete circle in Aurelia's eye.
"Damon is right."
Aurelia looked at her.
"That worries me more."
"Understandable."
Damon raised an eyebrow.
Xue Lian continued.
"Dominion said a structure without a bearer is invalid."
"Yes."
