"Gorath asked me to pursue and destroy," Liam said softly. "To take the war to the Radiant Empire. To slaughter heroes before they become too numerous to handle. To break the prophecy through violence and sacrifice and almost certain death."
Lilith's breath caught. "What did you tell him?"
"Nothing yet. I wanted to hear it from you first." His expression was unreadable. "Tell me, Your Majesty. If I refuse—if I say the suicide mission is beyond what you purchased when you summoned me—what happens?"
She was silent for a long moment. Calculating. Running through political scenarios and strategic necessities.
"I find another way," she said finally. "I always find another way. Even when there isn't one."
"That's not an answer."
