Balem turned to face me from the horrifying sight of the planet being harvested in the background. "Why would you come all the way out here to tell me something?"
"Because it's imperative. It couldn't wait." I protested.
"And just what is this imperative piece of information that cannot wait, Ava?" He stresses the word "imperative" ever so slightly, his voice a usual whisper, as always.
Balem approached me slowly, almost in a predatory, stalking manner. "Please do enlighten me."
He smiled, that twisted, sinister smile that I loved so much about him. Like he's up to no good.
"But you're missing this harvest…" My voice trailed off.
Balem sighed. "I've seen it many times now, Ava. The destructions of several thousands of worlds. They make it possible for our continued prosperity and existence. I'm not missing anything."
"I love you." I said sincerely.
"Tell me. What is it you wish to speak of?" The smile continued to play on his lips.
"It's about your brother, Titus." I said mockingly. I hated his brother with an absolute passion.
Balem let out a disappointing sigh. "What has he done now?"
His smile faded as the muffled screams of the people below us alarmed me only scarcely. "Are you perfectly sure this is alright with you? You've never been this uncomfortable in my presence during a harvest before, Ava."
"I'm fine. I know what you do and it doesn't affect me in the ways that you believe it does. I came to warn you about Titus. He's marrying Jupiter Jones to make your inheritance void as the first primary. He's overriding you. Don't you understand?!" I was inconsolable.
"I see." Balem said quietly, folding his fingers underneath his chin thoughtfully. "You interrupted the harvest to tell me this?"
"Yes. It's crazy. I never thought he would marry your sworn enemy to take control like this." I said urgently. "He must be stopped."
"Ava…" Balem said slowly, deliberately. "I know. I've known a long time Titus was trying to take control. Mr. Night informed me of his quite sudden union with Jupiter."