“She would be safer.”
“No.”
He understands the second no. Not safer for the system. Not safer for the children. Not safer from the council. Not safer from her own choices. Evie outside the estate becomes a target and a symbol. Evie inside remains under my authority.
Also under my failure.
Marco says, “Then Dante must be contained.”
“Yes.”
“More than this.”
“Not yet.”
His eyes sharpen. “You want to see what he does.”
“Yes.”
“That’s a risk.”
“Yes.”
“To her.”
I look at him. He doesn’t look away. Good. I need men who can say what should be said.
“Yes,” I say.
Marco’s jaw tightens. “She’s pregnant.”
“I know.”
“She isn’t another test.”
“I know,” I repeat.
Marco nods once. “I’ll adjust rotations.”
“Quietly.”
“Yes.”
“No council visibility.”
“Yes.”
“Giulio’s men don’t enter the north corridor.”
“They’ll ask to.”
“No.”
With a nod, Marco leaves. I remain in the hall for three seconds, then I walk toward the north wing.
Evie’s new rooms are guarded by two men outside and one at the corridor turn. The men stand when I enter the hall.
Inside, Evie stands near the window.
