The Atlas Paradox (The Atlas, #2)

Tristan asks Callum if he influenced their captive to say Tristan’s father’s name, but Callum denies it, and Tristan believes him. Callum also tells him that he has been working to find Libby but points out that if she does come back, they should probably kill her because the library still demands that energy. He has been calculating how much energy would be needed to bring her back, where it might be found, and how it can be controlled. Although he wants Tristan’s plan to succeed, he’s not optimistic but does give him the calculations necessary to generate a fusion reaction. He points out that the explosion needed to transport Libby would be nuclear: She’d have to choose herself over a massive loss of life—and knowing Libby, she never would.

Deep down, Callum is still upset that Tristan chose Libby over him. He pushes Tristan, who admits that his attempt to kill Callum destroyed their relationship and that it was special. He knows it hurt Callum, regardless of whether Callum tries to pretend that it didn’t. As Tristan continues to talk, Callum gets angry and leaves. In the hallway, he bumps into Dalton and can tell that something’s off about him but doesn’t pursue it.