Page 80 of Demon’s Snack

I continue before he can enjoy the discomfort too long. “The public demonstration should include reinforced perimeter wards. If a destabilized subject or hybrid enters the space, civilian proximity will increase risk.”

“Civilian proximity is necessary for witness credibility.”

“It is also dangerous.”

“That is the nature of credibility.”

I look up.

He is watching me now, no longer pretending the mirrors matter more.

“The ritual is confirmed, then,” I say.

“Of course.”

“What subject will be used?”

“A debtor with infernal residue from an unlawful bargain.”

“Human?”

“Naturally.”

The word lands like a slap because of how little force he gives it.

“What is the intended enforcement outcome?” I ask.

“Correction.”

“That is not specific.”

“It is not meant to be.”

I hold his gaze longer than obedience strictly allows. “If the debtor is publicly destabilized, the backlash could spread.”

“Then you will be present to advise.”

“And if the hybrid appears?”

Vaerith smiles faintly. “Then we learn.”

I think of the memorandum: emotionally significant stabilizer withheld or endangered. I think of Corin’s hands shaking after he restrained himself in the passage. I think of his voice in the archive, rough with fear, telling me he did not trust himself.

Then I think of him saying I was not a clause.

“My lord,” I say, “if your goal is observation, I should stand within the contract circle.”

Vaerith goes still.

The mirrors seem to listen harder.

“Explain,” he says.

“If my proximity alters his destabilization, placing me at the edge of the circle may produce incomplete results. The subject, the enforcement clause, and any external reaction should be measured from inside the active ward geometry.”

His gaze sharpens into something almost admiring. “That is a dangerous placement.”

“Yes.”