[Billion's PoV]
I let my gaze drift from Saleos to the suspended form of Phegor.
"I'll take care of him," Saleos said, his voice steady but cold. "I'll get everything out of him. Names, contacts, methods. He won't resist for long."
I nodded without hesitation. "Good. Do what you need to do. If you want help with the… unpleasant parts, let me know."
His eyes flicked to me for a brief second, something unreadable passing through them, before he gave a short nod. There was no gratitude in his expression, but there was understanding. My attention returned to the three runes floating in the air between us.
They pulsed faintly, black lines etched with authority that didn't belong to our universe. Even now, with Phegor unconscious and restrained, they felt wrong. Not hostile exactly, but invasive. Like hooks left behind after something had already torn through.
I studied them in silence for a few seconds longer than needed. Saleos noticed but didn't interrupt.
