"The Iron Bull was - is? - a-- a cover. A fiction."

Krem was making good points; Bull knew he was being deliberately obtuse. It was easier than the alternative. He sighed and sank back on Krem's couch.

"I was toeing the line of Tal-Vashoth for a long time... but I told myself it was different. Playing a part. Faithfully sending letters. Hissrad was real, the Iron Bull wasn't." He frowned at his mug, turning it in his hands. "Losing the Chargers - you - almost broke me. Again."