Did Orion really think that having some stolen crystals gave him comparable respect?
That coercion created the same stability as genuine authority?
It was delusional… And dangerous.
Because he'd act on that delusion.
Selphira couldn't let him do as he wanted.
But for now, he had Victor. And that gave him leverage regardless of whether his broader strategy was viable.
"Hahaha, don't make that face," Orion continued with confidence bordering on arrogance. "The proof is that you yourself with all your power can't touch me. And that will remain true as long as I control the resources I've secured. So you can follow me if you want to sign a treaty in which you give me total control of the Starweaver family and territory now that Sirius has been gone for quite some time and accept that I'll have absolute control of everything in the ruins I open from now on without interference from the castle or any other authority."
