[Temenos feels his chest tighten like a vice grip when he hears Beelzebub say such things. After the talk they had, he learned the extent of the emotional turmoil Beelzebub was going through with events at home- about his strong desire to protect his loved ones. Had Lobelia discovered the same and used it against him?
A bitter, shaky exhale escapes him.]
If that man was good at anything, it was laying our weaknesses bare before us.
[After all, he'd gotten to Temenos, too. He'd wormed his way in so deeply that how the trial played out was inevitable. Using Temenos's desire for the truth and strange affinity with him to take center stage, he was in a prime position to goad Beelzebub into that horrific display.
It's because of his guilt over this that Temenos's voice is so firm when he speaks up again. His fingers dig into Beelzebub's back, imploring him to hold on.]
Do not allow yourself to sink into despair over what could have been. Against all odds—against his efforts—you are still here. You are alive, and that means you haven't failed.
no subject
A bitter, shaky exhale escapes him.]
If that man was good at anything, it was laying our weaknesses bare before us.
[After all, he'd gotten to Temenos, too. He'd wormed his way in so deeply that how the trial played out was inevitable. Using Temenos's desire for the truth and strange affinity with him to take center stage, he was in a prime position to goad Beelzebub into that horrific display.
It's because of his guilt over this that Temenos's voice is so firm when he speaks up again. His fingers dig into Beelzebub's back, imploring him to hold on.]
Do not allow yourself to sink into despair over what could have been. Against all odds—against his efforts—you are still here. You are alive, and that means you haven't failed.