Contents
V. Rationalism — Callum
Overview
Callum and Tristan share an intimate, combative late-night call, admitting plans to deliver or kill each other while revealing vulnerabilities and doubts. Callum tells Tristan his sisters don’t hate him and warns that Parisa wants Rhodes dead, hinting Rhodes may be compromised. Afterward, Reina rebuffs Parisa’s agenda and pointedly keeps distance from Nico, while Callum notes rising scrutiny of Nova.
Summary
On a late November night, Callum and Tristan trade messages that slide from mockery into confession. Tristan presses Callum about approaching Adrian Caine; Callum admits he offered to deliver Tristan “eventually,” framing their future as an inevitable duel. Tristan accuses Callum of manipulation and secrecy; Callum counters with his own damaged upbringing, both circling the inevitability of one killing the other.
They switch to a call. Callum reports Tristan’s sisters don’t hate him and even believe in his power, softening Tristan’s defenses. The conversation exposes Tristan’s fraught feelings for Rhodes—suffocating yet real—and his hunger for awe through the coming experiment. Callum relays that Parisa wants Rhodes dead and suspects something is wrong with her, which alarms Tristan but doesn’t change his refusal to harm Rhodes.
They spar over motives: Tristan no longer wants the archives’ power as cause to kill Callum; now it’s personal anger. They joke darkly about methods of murder, reaffirming their lethal stalemate. Callum warns Tristan to act decisively if Rhodes is compromised; Tristan hangs up, asserting love and rejecting that option.
Back in the hotel room, Reina confronts Callum, deriding his “revenge plot” and rejecting Parisa’s influence. Callum checks headlines about a growing investigation into Nova, realizing he may need to intervene. Reina curtly maintains distance from Nico despite still advising him via text about the experiment’s logistics. Callum closes the night conflicted, half-tempted to contact Tristan again as scrutiny on Nova mounts.
Who Appears
- Callum NovaPOV; phones Tristan, admits offering Adrian Caine to deliver him, confesses attachment, warns Parisa wants Rhodes dead, notes Nova is under investigation.
- Tristan CaineOn the call; debates inevitability of killing Callum, reflects on Rhodes, fears Rhodes may be compromised, hears his sisters don’t hate him.
- Reina MoriCallum’s hotel roommate; rebukes his revenge plan, rejects Parisa’s guidance, keeps Nico at arm’s length while advising his experiment.
- Rhodes (Libby Rhodes)Discussed; Tristan’s partner, described as suffocating but loved. Alleged by Parisa (via Callum) to be compromised; Tristan refuses to harm her.
- Parisa KamaliOffstage influence; wants Rhodes killed, suggesting moral interference. Her agenda prompts Reina’s rejection.
- Nico de VaronaOffstage; leading an experiment. Messages Reina, who offers brief logistical advice but withholds support.
- GideonOffstage; “dreamer” archivist at the house, unsettlingly quiet, asleep during Tristan’s call.
- Adrian CaineReferenced; Tristan’s father. Callum offered to deliver Tristan to him; central to Tristan’s trauma.
- Alys and Bella CaineReferenced; Tristan’s sisters. Callum says they don’t hate Tristan and believe in his power.