A dark expression painted Azriel's face as he silently absorbed Pollux's words.
'Ahhh... how annoying...'
This burning sensation...
Yes—that was his soul screaming, wasn't it?
His soul was burning, wasn't it?
Yes...
Yes, it was.
After a heavy silence, Azriel abruptly laughed—a dark, choking laugh, like someone drowning in mud. Eventually, he quieted, dropping his head slightly, exhaling a weary, burdened sigh.
"Coward? You're just a hypocrite, aren't you, Pollux?" Azriel said suddenly, wiping away tears formed from bitter laughter.
"Ah, but what you said about my fate... maybe you're right. You know the future, don't you?" He raised his eyes, giving Pollux a meaningful smile.