"Little one, do not let emotions cloud your judgment and make the grave mistake of lowering your guard. While traversing the cosmos, I have seen mighty beings brought to ruin by the very ones they held dearest—betrayed by lovers, siblings, even their own children. Do not fall like them simply because you trust too easily," the Universe Ender lectured Rebecca as they drifted through the cosmic void, stars and galaxies streaking past them like streaks of paint on a divine canvas. Their destination loomed ahead: a universe on the brink of its annihilation, soon to be ended by his hand.
Rebecca glanced at him with a faint pout. "Come now… does that mean you keep your guard up even against me?"
"Yes," he replied without a moment's hesitation.
His tone was blunt, final—devoid of apology. Rebecca's expression fell, a quiet grumble escaping her lips. It wasn't what she wanted to hear. Not from him.
