"I say that assuming you did not wish to repeat the experience."

They would, of course, do whatever was necessary. But a mission completed could still leave you feeling untethered and twisting in the wind.

Watching that carefully crafted mask fall away, he's reminded of the toll it takes. Even on those who pretend to glide through, untouched. Locus's brow knits after a moment, and the bottle is returned to the space between them.

"For my part in what happened, I apologize." Something thick threatens to rise in his throat. He ignores it. "It won't happen again."