“No,” I agree. “It’s not. That’s why it works.”
I step closer again, close enough now that I can see the shift in his focus, the way he’s actuallytrackingwhat I’m saying instead of waiting for me to finish.
“They’re not trying to win fast,” I say. “They’re trying to weaken everything before it even starts.”
“And you think that matters here,” he says.
“I think you’re already seeing that it does,” I reply.
A pause.
Not empty.
Not dismissive.
Thinking.
“You’re assuming coordination on a scale most orc forces don’t maintain,” he says.
“I’m assuming you already recognized the pattern before I said anything,” I shoot back.
That lands.
I see it.
Subtle—but there.
“Krago isn’t most orc forces,” I add, quieter now. “You know that.”
He doesn’t deny it.
“Then say it,” I push. “Say this isn’t a problem.”
His jaw tightens.
“That’s not what I said.”
“No,” I agree. “It’s just what you’re trying to act like.”
I hold his gaze.
Don’t look away.
Don’t back down.
“You said acting on it has consequences,” I continue. “Fine. So does not acting on it.”
He studies me, slower now.
More deliberate.
“What do you want from me?” he asks.
The question is quieter this time.
Less defensive.
More…real.
