Kern gave a humorless chuckle, his gaze lowering to the table. "The kingdom and their beloved control tactics... No matter what our alignment is or how much we support them, they always make sure they have the upper hand."
Yun-Jin met their eyes, her tone shifting, softening just a little. "Listen, no matter what happens, regardless of what our beliefs might be about the kingdom's stability and the structure they've upheld for generations—if things go south, I need you both to make sure Ty is taken care of. He doesn't deserve to be left behind if this entire plan falls apart."
Kern opened his mouth to speak, but Gisorn beat him to it. "You have yourself a deal," he said, his tone more certain than before. "I don't bother with the why's or the reasons people give, but if this keeps me in the game, gets me past the second stage, that's enough for me. And besides, if the Black Bulls or anyone else decides to interfere, sticking around the Demon might just be our safest bet."
