Page 87 of Mercy Written in Blood

"Did the Accord bury those truths?"

Ayako's teacup paused halfway to her mouth. Ken looked at Haruki. Reina did not. She had expected the question.

Kael answered carefully.

"The Accord has concealed information when disclosure would have caused mass violence."

"That is not what I asked."

"It is the answer you are receiving."

Haruki smiled without warmth.

"No wonder the Unveiled hate you."

Ken shifted. Reina looked at Haruki sharply. Kael went very still. The air in the room seemed colder.

Haruki continued before anyone could intervene.

"That does not justify what they did. It does not make them right. But if you want my cooperation, do not begin by pretending the Accord has no part in the history they are killing over."

"You know almost nothing about that history."

"I know enough people died because of it."

"Your people died because they entered a site they did not understand."

Ken stood. The chair struck the floor behind him. Haruki raised one hand. Ken stopped, breathing hard. Haruki kept his attention on Kael.

"My people died because masked killers entered our tunnels and executed unarmed civilians."

"They were trying to contain material capable of destabilising the Accord."

"And you believe saying that aloud makes it better?"

"No."

For the first time, something entered Kael's voice. Not regret. Weariness.

"I believe precision matters."

"So do I."

Haruki leaned forward despite the pain it caused.

"Which is why the record will be precise. They murdered historians, workers and engineers. They attempted to burn the chamber. They pursued survivors through sealed passages. They did not contain anything."

Kael's expression hardened.

"They prevented wider exposure."

Haruki stared at him. Reina spoke first.

"That is the same sentence."

Neither man answered her. Ayako set down her cup.

"What does the Accord intend to do?"