you broke me and left these pieces

// once you're in my shining cathedral, heed the tolling bell //

Lightning cracks nearby, sharp and jagged and close, and if it weren’t for the rain the scent of smoke would be likely overwhelming. But for now, the butcher’s main focus is entirely on Thalassa with a portion focused on the world around the space they’d carved out for any lingering threats. But it’s to her that he reaches for as she shifts back in perhaps the worst state he can ever think he’s seen her in.

It's rough. And he focuses on it as she comes into her own, stuttering breaths and the whisper that escapes that has him immediately reaching for her to tug her into his embrace. He’s silent for a few long moments, unsure who he is, but imagining it has to do with something void related. So unaware is he that she’d been so attached to someone, though – because gods, she hadn’t acted like this with the loss of Maea as her friend – his voice is gentler even as his hackles seem to rise. “Who is gone, darling?” He asks carefully, voice dripping with apology and empathetic sorrow, as if he’s saying sorry I wasn’t around to find out what’s been going on with you lately.

As for what she should do? Well, that can come after they get over this little hurdle.

Astaroth

// it's the final sound you hear as you descend to hell //