Simon frowned in confusion. "Mr. Eslinger, I've never understood why you're so determined to control the Aickers. I mean, with your abilities, you could easily build your own powerful legacy."

Bane snorted coldly. "What do you know about my ambitions? Cedric and I were once fellow apprentices under the same mentor, Mr. Gregory Sivan. From the start, Cedric was inferior to me in every way—whether in medicine, combat, or earning Mr. Sivan's favor. The man wasn't even in my league."

Simon looke