The man goes still.
Understanding creeping in.
“You’re going to make him choose,” he says.
Sentinel’s eyes darken slightly.
“Yes.”
Because that’s where even the strongest fracture.
Not under pressure.
Under decision.
Protect her—
Or complete the mission.
Be close—
Or be effective.
You can’t always have both.
And when that moment comes—
“That’s when we move,” Sentinel finishes quietly.
The room feels colder now.
Sharper.
Because the game has shifted.
Not just psychological.
Strategic.
Personal.
He turns away from the screen, already moving toward the door.
“Maintain the asset,” he orders. “No changes.”
“Yes, sir.”
“And begin preparing phase two.”
The man hesitates. “Parameters?”
Sentinel pauses.
Just for a second.
Then—
“Something that forces proximity,” he says.
