Dean's smirk widened. "Because, Vardy, you're more useful to me alive than dead. You've been chasing me all this time, but now that you know the truth, you'll be the one who leads the charge against the Aegaon. You'll be the one who tries to tear down everything they've built. And if you fail, you'll finally see that there's no escaping them. There's no way to stop the plan they've set in motion."
Vardy's hand tightened on the hilt of his sword, but his gaze remained steady.
"Then we'll see who fails," Vardy said, his voice steady. "You're not going to win, Dean. I'll destroy the Aegaon. I'll make sure your reign ends here, tonight."
Dean's smirk faltered for a brief moment, but it quickly returned, colder this time.
"You think you can stop them? You think you can destroy what they've built? You're nothing, Vardy. You always were. And no matter how much you fight, you'll always be their pawn, just like the rest of us."
