The question lingered in Simon's mind, but he didn't ask it aloud.
He didn't need to.
"Whoever that wave was meant for," the Abyss Sovereign said, "it doesn't change what I've seen."
Simon's lips twitched slightly. He had expected that. He was slowly getting used to having his thoughts answered.
"And what have you seen?"
The Sovereign rested his forearm on the armrest. The golden rings in his eyes turned slowly.
"Caesar has help, Blackmoon. Help that never shows itself."
Simon's brows furrowed.
"The Eternal Court never walks beside him," the Sovereign continued. "They never fight for him, and they never stand behind him where anybody can see them. Instead, they prepare things for him beforehand. A path. A door. A treasure. An opportunity. Then they step away, and Caesar arrives to take it."
He lifted the black jade bowl.
"To anyone watching, it looks like luck. Or coincidence."
"But it isn't," Lilith said.
