. . .

“That is all,” Hans says. “That is all there is to it. That is why I have called you in. I can no longer keep them all back. Errors shall rage against my principles; all of the bonds I have forged shall break.”

“That is,” Joffun says. He squirms in his seat. “You mean. I. What? No.”

“They are already weakening,” Hans says. “I lost the nithrid just twenty years ago. The snake is loose and in the sea. Nevermind space’s wicked god and winter —”

“I must warn my family,” croaks Joffun.

“Sit down,” says Hans.

Joffun freezes.

“Consider the wolf,” says Hans.

Joffun licks his lips. He considers the wolf. Chills run up and down through him, for the wolf could eat the world.

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