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The question chills me more effectively than the room itself.

I answer slowly, choosing every word like I am stepping through blades.

“Temporary stabilization can occur through regulated feeding cycles, infernal warding, anchor objects, disciplined containment practices, or compatible external resonance.”

“Compatible external resonance,” he says, tasting the phrase.

“Yes.”

“What does that mean?”

“It means the infernal structure encounters something that reduces destabilization feedback.”

Vaerith studies me long enough that I hear the soft hiss of spellflame in the wall sconces.

“You sound as though you have studied this closely.”

“I maintain your archives.”

“That was not an answer.”

“It was the relevant one.”

For one dangerous second, I think I have pushed too far.

Then Vaerith laughs softly.

“There she is,” he murmurs.

“My lord?”

“The little edge beneath all that obedience. I have always wondered whether it would become useful or tiresome.”

I keep my posture still. “I hope to remain useful.”

“So do I.”

The mirror shifts again.

Now Talen appears speaking animatedly to another guard near the estate gate, nursing his wrist while exaggerating his outrage with broad, theatrical gestures.

Vaerith watches him with detached amusement.

“Talen is crude,” he says, “but crudity has applications. A subtle tool is wasted when the task requires noise.”

My pulse gives one hard strike.

He is admitting it without admitting it.

“You sent him,” I say before caution can smooth the edges from the words.

Vaerith’s mouth curves slightly. “I allow my servants to behave according to their natures.”

“And place them where those natures become useful.”

“Now that,” he says softly, “is why I keep you.”

My fingers ache from holding still.