Hearing Silas' story, Lucien's eyes widened. Those amethyst irises shimmered, then spilled tears as the pieces finally slid into place.
The memories came back the way nightmares do, blurred around the edges and filtered through the lens of that filthy old camera.
His mind tried to resist, but the pain pushed through anyway. He clutched his head, breathing sharply, while Silas stared at him with rising panic.
"Lucien! What's wrong? Damn it, I'll call the doctor!"
Silas pulled him close, holding him as if sheer force could stop whatever was happening.
The pain dulled only slightly beneath the comforting weight of Silas' scent. Lucien forced his eyes open.
"Silas, look at me," he whispered through ragged breaths. "I'm sorry… for leaving you behind. I'm so sorry."
Silas froze. The helpless expression he used to hide as a child flickered across his face, but this time there was something else mixed in.
Relief. His hand rose gently, resting against Lucien's cheek.
