TOBIAS’ POV
That was how I ended up in Catherine’s facility, wearing another person’s face and sneaking through her corridors.
Catherine was cautious, especially with Evelyn. Though she sometimes needed her power, she never allowed her near the true core of the operation.
At first, Evelyn’s questions had been dismissed with fond indulgence. Later, they were met with irritation.
After several arguments, Catherine began locking her out of meetings, diverting her access, assigning her to peripheral stabilization work and ceremonial tasks that looked important enough to soothe pride but revealed nothing essential.
She knew Evelyn was wavering.
Of course she knew. Catherine had not survived this long by failing to recognize doubt in the people around her.
But doubt was not yet betrayal, and Catherine’s arrogance made her believe Evelyn could still be managed.
That arrogance gave us room.
Under my guidance, Evelyn’s craft steadied in ways Catherine had never encouraged.
