"I understand that... I understand everything.

But I can't give up what power I have until the last second. Not until we're sure it's done. I have things to protect now. You, among others."

His own words are nauseating him, but he's sincere.

"I can deal with Selene. Old-world ego makes her more straightforward than Sebastian. And I've got a marker or two from my time as her Pawn that I can call in if necessary. She'll abide by her word, to the letter of it, at least."