""I know how Father might look like he's manipulating things," Javier said softly, eyes on the sky.
"I've seen the threads he pulls. I've felt the nudges, the little tests. But I never call it bad or cruel. He isn't shaping us to win petty fights or swell his pride. He's shaping us to be people who can bear power without becoming monsters."
"He does not blind us with orders to break us. He teaches through example."
"He knows what makes us real humans. Discipline so we don't break what we're given, manners so we remember we are not greater than those we lead. He teaches restraint so that strength becomes protection instead of tyranny. He forces lessons so we learn to keep others safe before we seek our own comfort."
He gave a short, self-deprecating laugh.
