Die. Respawn. Repeat.

Back when we were still on the way to the Tear, Ahkelios asked me a question. It rings in my head even now.

"Why do you care?"

It's an interesting question.

—

"Because I have to, I think," I answer. It's not a perfect reply, but it's the best one I can give.

I know why he's asking it. Ahkelios hasn't said anything about it directly, nor has he allowed them to leak through our shared connection, but I know him well enough by now that I can sense the way his doubts have been ringing around in his head. Whatever happened in the Empty City, whatever it is that spoke to him—it's left an impact.

How that impact was left on him is another question entirely.

Ahkelios doesn't seem satisfied with that answer. There's a hint of frustration in the way he responds, something that almost verges on anger. He clenches his fists before forcing them to relax, worried that I'll notice. "What's that supposed to mean?" he asks, trying his best to control his voice.

I glance at him, and he shifts uncomfortably under my gaze. Neither of us say anything, but something unspoken passes between us, and he looks away after a moment.