[In the wider picture, it wasn't the worst thing he had ever done. It barely even registered in comparison to all the lives lost and wanton destruction that followed. But it was something Viktor had done, not the Herald. Not yet lost to corrupted madnesss, only his own reckless stupidity in dealing with a force he barely understood. Though the guilt of all of it rested with him, Sky was different. Sharper, clearer, so much heavier.]

[The cane clattered to the ground, arms uneasily brought around Vakama--like the gesture was not one he had much experience with.]

I was going to-...Jayce stopped me before I could drop myself off a damned ledge after it happened. [His voice hitched uncomfortably in his throat no matter how Viktor tried to steady it.] In the past weeks I've caught myself thinking--I wish he hadn't.