"And yet," he said suddenly, breaking the brief silence, "you, even more godling than most, are still plagued by human flaws."
Ethan's faint smile faltered. His brow furrowed. "What…?"
Roth's gaze didn't waver.
"You find my presence in the mortal world a nuisance," he said evenly. "You believe I stand in your way, that my shadow prevents you from truly holding the vampire race in your hand."
Ethan's face tensed. The accusation or rather, the truth hit too close to deny. He looked away, his silence more honest than any protest.
The quiet stretched long between them before he finally spoke. His voice was low, but steady.
"I do indeed find your presence… unwanted," he admitted. "And limiting for the picture I have in mind for my people."
Roth regarded him for a long moment, and then, to Ethan's surprise, a faint, knowing smile curved his lips.
