Page 277 of Mercy Written in Blood

The words struck. Haruki felt them. Sota saw that he had. Neither looked away.

"You believe there is a line you will not cross," Haruki said.

"Yes."

"What is it?"

Sota's face became still.

"Deliberately targeting children."

A murmur moved through the room. Haruki waited.

"That is all?"

"No."

"Then say it."

Sota glanced towards the people seated behind Haruki.

"I will not manufacture evidence. I will not accuse people of crimes because their species makes the accusation convenient. I will not release identities of vampires who have lived without harming humans. I will not support extermination, detention or forced registration."

"And murder?"

"I will not order it to create spectacle."

The wording mattered. Haruki heard the space left around it.

"To create spectacle," he repeated.

"Yes."

"What about removing someone who blocks you?"

Sota held his gaze. The room waited.

"I have not," he said.

"That wasn't the question."

"No."

Sota looked towards the projected names. When he answered, his voice was quieter.

"I do not know what I will become if every peaceful path is closed."

The honesty chilled Haruki more than denial would have. Sota knew the line existed. He also knew conviction could move it. The people in the room heard vulnerability. Haruki heard warning.

Renji stood beside him.

"What matters is not the line you claim today," he said. "It is whether your cause permits you to redraw it tomorrow."

Sota looked at him.

"Every institution does that."

"Yes."