Oh.
Oh, that was fun.
You saw it, didn't you?
No—don't look around like that. You're not breaking anything. I invited you. Consider this… an informal viewing gallery. Front-row seats. No popcorn, unfortunately. Bureaucracy hates snacks.
Now then.
Malvane.
Such ambition. Such hunger. Such certainty that the universe owed him applause for wanting things badly enough.
I do adore mortals like that.
They're so earnest.
They truly believe desire is something they invented.
(It's flattering, really.)
---
You might be wondering if I'm upset.
Angry.
Offended.
After all, faith was twisted. Belief was abused. Power was stolen and misused and stitched together into something that tried very hard to wear a crown it didn't earn.
You might think that bothers me.
It doesn't.
Desire isn't offended by corruption.
Desire is interested in it.
Because corruption is simply want that forgot how to listen.
---
Did you notice how neatly it ended?
Not cleanly.
Not kindly.
But appropriately.
That's important.
I didn't step in.
The Void didn't step in.
No trumpets. No corrections. No cosmic scolding.
I let the system work.
Because when you interfere too early, mortals don't learn.
And learning is delicious.
---
Ah—there it is. That look on your face.
Yes, I do sound amused.
I am.
But don't mistake amusement for indifference.
I watched Aiden struggle.
I watched Liora's blood react to something she doesn't understand yet.
I watched Seris choose to witness instead of flee.
I watched Inkaris pay something he hasn't admitted to yet.
That part?
That part mattered.
Desire always notices what people are willing to lose.
---
You're probably wondering about Malvane's fate.
The Fallen.
No faith. No warmth. No redemption arc waiting conveniently offstage.
Hunted. Hated. Remembered.
Yes.
That was intentional.
You see, power fantasies are common.
But consequences fantasies?
Those are rare.
And much more educational.
---
Oh, and Caelum?
Don't worry about him.
He's always watching something he shouldn't be.
Angels, fallen or otherwise, are terribly nosy creatures when it comes to potential.
Liora's potential happens to glow in a way that tickles old memories.
Nothing to panic about.
Yet.
---
You might ask if I'm worried.
About the dwindling number of true wish granters.
About balance.
About the universe leaning too hard on a handful of beings who still remember how this all works.
I'm not worried.
I'm curious.
There's a difference.
Worry implies fear of loss.
Curiosity implies anticipation.
And I am very, very good at waiting.
---
Now, before you ask—no.
I won't tell you what Inkaris paid.
Not yet.
Not because I can't.
Because watching you realize it later will be much more satisfying.
And besides…
Stories aren't about answers.
They're about what people do before they understand the cost.
---
Enjoy the calm while it lasts.
Cities always breathe easier right before they realize something fundamental has changed.
And I'll be right here.
Watching.
Amused.
Interested.
After all…
As long as something wants something—
I'm never bored.
Ever.
— Desire