Adom watched Cass's face carefully. No screaming. No gasping. No demands for immediate explanations. Just a calm, measured assessment of the armored golem now standing in her hospital room.

This wasn't how he'd expected this to go. People usually reacted more dramatically when they discovered his secrets. In his experience, even the most composed individuals tended to lose their cool when confronted with the impossible.

But not Cass. She hadn't even blinked.

"I know how this looks," he began, "and I—"

"I would have done the same," Cass interrupted.

Adom stopped mid-sentence. "Pardon me?"

Cass adjusted herself against the pillows, wincing slightly as she moved her bandaged head. "I saw John fight in the dungeon. This is by far the most advanced golem I've ever seen. Enough to not have anyone think it's a golem. It can even use Fluid. A war golem."

She gestured toward John with a small wave. The golem remained motionless.

"So I understand," she continued. "I would have hidden it from everyone too, until a moment like this when I'd have no choice but to trust someone enough to reveal it." She shrugged. "Logical progression."

Adom stood there for a moment, his prepared explanation dying on his lips. He'd spent two hours rehearsing this moment while waiting for her to wake up. He'd anticipated shock, anger, perhaps even fear. He'd prepared counterarguments and reassurances.

But not for this. Never for this.

"That was... easier than I thought it would be," he admitted.

"I don't like drama," Cass said flatly. "It's time-consuming."

Adom laughed, a loud laugh that surprised even him. "You know, Cass, I'm very happy I met you and not another. You're simple to talk to."

"I would have said the same about you a few hours ago if I hadn't just almost been killed," Cass replied in a deadpan, serious tone. She adjusted her bandage slightly. "But I do share the sentiment."

This set Adom laughing again. It wasn't particularly funny, but the tension of the past day needed some release. Maybe he was more rattled by the bombing than he wanted to admit.

He finally composed himself, straightening in his chair. "Let's cut to the chase. Are you ready to listen to my plan?"

Cass smiled back at him. It wasn't her usual businesslike smile—this one had an edge to it, like a merchant who'd just spotted a weakness in a negotiation.

"I'm all ears," she said. "Tell me everything."

*****