[ The Operator expects the horror. They expect the incomprehension and even the denial. These are the reactions they would expect from anyone learning that their loved one has been lost in such a horrific way and they sit, eyes downcast and fingers tied in knots, waiting for him to finish.

And then he says that Paimon is not inside Charles—that Paimon is inside him. The Operator's yellow eyes flash up, eyes wide with incomprehension. ]

That's impossible, [ they say immediately. ] Continuity erases whoever came before. Orokin don't share their Yuvans.

[ If Paimon is inside Peter rather than Charles, then it is Paimon they are speaking to now. That alone seems impossible—the Operator sees none of the imperious presence in the young man before them that they had seen in Charles. But if it's not true, why would Peter say it? The Operator stares hard at him, brow furrowed—and then their face softens with understanding. ]

You can't protect him, you know. [ Their voice is quiet, but resolute. ] There's nothing left to protect. Nothing but the monster who destroyed him.

[ That's clearly what this is: a misguided attempt to protect Charles by claiming that he is Paimon's Yuvan instead. That he'd lie for such a purpose brings with it a new pang of guilt and sorrow, but the Operator remains intent on their purpose. Anything that can be destroyed by the truth, should be. ]

Tell me where he is. [ They're leaning forward now, looking up at Peter with a patient, baleful look. ] And I'll handle the rest.