Catherine's POV
But power without application was a myth.
And myths didn't stop people from bleeding.
Some would resist what came next. I knew that.
Pain would hurt before it reduced. There would be moments when the cost seemed too high, when people would look back at Aurora's restraint and call it mercy in retrospect.
History would be unfair to both of us.
She would be remembered as the one who refused to act. I would be remembered as the one who acted without asking.
Neither version would be complete.
Neither version would be kind.
But completeness and kindness were not measures of necessity.
I turned back to the map and placed my hand over the basin, feeling the steady hum beneath my palm. Stable. Predictable. Improved.
"This will hurt fewer people," I said.
Morwen didn't answer.
She didn't need to.
