Quinlan looked at his lovers one by one, committing the sight.
They were calm. Supportive. Too supportive.
That, more than the trial itself, weighed on him.
This was different from every other Rank-Up Trial due to being optional. Built around an act he would tear the world apart to prevent if the roles were reversed. The thought alone made his jaw tighten. Power had always come with cost, but this cost touched the hearts of people he adored more than anything in this life.
He knew his own hunger. He had never lied to them about it. Power was survival, leverage, insurance against enemies that would happily grind them down. Still, seeing the girls stand there, shoulders squared and smiles ready, made the choice feel crooked.
They did not want to be the reason he refused.
That much was obvious.
