"To me? No. You're still my Luna." He pauses.
"But to others... this new approach is going to create resistance. People are already fragile. Push too hard and,"
"And what? They'll leave?" I gestured at the walls. "Let them. Anyone who's not committed to survival can go. We'd be better off without them."
"That's cold, Luna."
"That's realistic." I turn to face him fully.
"Theron, I need you to understand something. The version of me that cared about being liked died in the Black Realm. All that's left is the version that cares about results. If that makes me cold, fine. As long as it keeps people alive."
He has studied me for a long time.
"I can work with colds," he says finally.
"Just... try not to forget there are still people under your command. Not just resources to be deploye
