Page 148 of Scaled Daddy's Secret Heir

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He opens the desk console and keys in a code.

“Conditional clearance,” he says. “Subject: Kalev. Classification: Null.”

The system pings.

He hesitates.

I don’t move.

He adds another line.

“Secondary subjects: Leah Monroe. Clancy Monroe Kalevson.”

My lungs unlock.

“Now the handler.”

Dowron closes his eyes for one second.

Then activates internal comms.

“Code Echo. Detain protocol. Subject: Handler Lydric. Status: Rogue operative. Use of force authorized.”

A voice confirms.

The room feels different.

Lighter.

Hollowed out.

I lift my wrist.

::Transmit resignation packet. Irrevocable.::

The confirmation tone chimes in my ear.

Dowron stares at me.

“You just burned every bridge you ever had.”

I meet his gaze.

“You burned them first.”

I turn.

Walk to the door.

Behind me, he says quietly:

“You could’ve been a god, Kalev.”

I pause.

Not to look back.

“Gods don’t beg for permission.”

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