"Perhaps not exactly that," he concedes, grudgingly. "But it succeeded in bringing a great deal to light."

There are too many cracks, too many fissures to slip into. All it will take is an enemy with the slightest bit of insight and he will feel every bit as exposed as before. Locus's eyes drop to the ring on his hand before allowing his fingers to curl into a fist.

"I will not endanger them again."