When the golem disintegrated, Brian felt like he'd just been ripped apart. It wasn't that he felt pain from the loss—the golems were tools, and if anything, the early destruction meant less of his own energy expended—but… seeing her do it was overwhelming.

  It was her voice, and she spoke words he recognized… but it wasn't Natalie. This person in front of him wasn't his turtle. He didn't recognize her anymore. She was… awakened.

  She was one of them.

  The words, even in his own head, scalded his soul. Brian had fought for so long, worked so hard, done terrible things all in the name of his crusade—but this was too far.

  My own daughter…

  How could it be possible? They'd checked her. His men had scanned her. He'd even done it himself, back in Rallsburg. She wasn't awakened… and yet, with the way she talked, how she acted, the sheer power she held in her fingertips, it was inconceivable she'd taken the witch's bargain recently.

  My own daughter.

  "He betrayed us," said the cult leader, her tiny stature not diminishing her strength amongst all those who towered above. Brian's eyes narrowed, but he didn't say anything. Why bother defending myself? They've decided my fate. History will prove them wrong in the end.

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  "Killed plenty of people who didn't deserve it," added Agent Ashe. Brian sighed inwardly. He'd hoped Jeremy would have finally seen the light, but they'd even convinced him, the man who had understood all the horrors Brian had seen.

  "Nobody deserves it," said Natalie.

  "He won't ever stop," said Cinza, and for once, Brian agreed with her. I will never stop. While they yet live, we aren't safe. They keep getting stronger, and the whole world is at risk. I have to stop this…

  For…

  For my daughter?

  Brian felt despair creeping into his soul. The world was getting darker with every passing second. His body was so incredibly exhausted, but he'd fought it off for months. He'd kept his word to Jackson. He'd pursued their crusade… but now, what was it all for?

  My own daughter!

  What was she? Natalie was lost to him forever. There was no turning back. She'd chosen this. Brian loved her with all his heart… but what could he do?

  I will always love you, Natalie. But you cannot be this. I've lost you forever.

  Jeremy and Cinza were listing off every horrible crime he'd committed in his pursuit of justice. Brian took a deep breath, and he knew it was time. His crusade was at an end. Others would carry on the torch, and he'd gotten the message out. His people had scattered to the winds. They'd know what to do. Felix had left instructions, and if all went according to plan, the journalist would be out soon enough.

  Awakenings have stopped. We already won. It's over.

  Brian threw the golem rod down at Natalie's feet.

  He turned to Jeremy.

  "I surrender."