Arthur moved toward Theodore before his mind caught up with the decision.
Behind him, Malvric hadn't moved either. Just watched, red pupils tracking every step, patient in a way that felt worse than an attack would have.
"Vex—" Theodore's hand found Arthur's sleeve, gripping hard, blind eyes searching for a face he couldn't see. "It hurts. It hurts so bad, please—"
"I'm here." Arthur's voice cracked on the words. "I'm right here, Theo. I'm not leaving."
Behind him, he felt it — the pull of Malvric's aetheric field, still present, still close enough to end all of them in a single motion if he wanted to.
Every part of Arthur screamed to turn around. To finish what Thalon had died stopping. His hand wanted the dark water, wanted it badly enough that his fingers curled on their own.
Roz's voice cut through it, sharp, final.
"Don't."
Arthur's head snapped toward him.
