The words came out conversational, like he was explaining basic mathematics.
Damian's hands clenched into fists.
"You–"
"Let me finish."
Something in the Patriarch's tone made Damian's words die in his throat.
"Us Patriarchs and the elders currently have no interest in creating conflict with the military or Headmaster Kaiser over some kid."
He held up one finger.
"But if you push too far, if you force our hand..."
A second finger joined the first.
"The military will make stern faces and kill a few of our subordinates... Kaiser will express disappointment but ultimately step aside because he understands the political realities that govern our world."
A third finger.
"And you, along with everyone connected to you, will simply cease to exist."
The fire crackled between them, orange flames dancing across dead flesh.
"Not as punishment... Just necessity. The same way I killed this beast because it threatened students. Nothing personal, just maintaining order."
