"No," Jorick said loudly. His voice broke the spell and the others stood blinking uncertainly. "You don't want to defend the world, but rule it, and you're hoping to goad Samael into a war; a glorious challenge and the final proof that you are supreme, that you stand above even those made before you. It's the same as always. You're trying to prove your worth."

Malick gave a deep, throaty laugh. "And so are we all. But who do we try to convince? Others or ourselves? You think ...