His gaze was hardened in the way of a being who was feeling more than he was showing.
Noah was not...overly expressive even at a time like this.
Alexander looked at the Enneagram in Noah's hand and then back at Noah.
"Existence is not a story," he said. "We are not destined beings promised greatness. Existence is brutal. Existence is unfair. Existence does not care."
He steadied himself against a pulse of silver-gold that moved through his torso and pushed back with what Infinity remained accessible to him.
"One has to know when to take a step back. I am taking one now."
He met Noah's eyes.
"Take care of my people, please. I don't know if the chance still exists for me. This infection feels far too grand. But I am still fighting it. If you have the capability, I will even rely on you for this. I still have my last shred of stubbornness. I still...want to try."
Something moved through his expression that was not hope and was not despair.
