Raizen stared at the Ruler's hands.
They didn't shake or look weak.
They looked like hands that had been clenched for years, holding something down so everyone could think they were completely safe.
"All of my Eon" the Ruler continued. "All of my years. Every day I lived beyond what my body wanted - it was not a gift. It was payment."
Atman's face went pale.
"That's why..." he whispered. "That's why you never let anyone heal you."
The Ruler nodded once.
"Healing would have bought comfort" he said, "but the deal, contract, call it however you want... It takes comfort as well. It takes whatever it can. It takes time. It takes strength. It takes the small things that make you feel human."
Elin stared at him like she couldn't decide whether to be furious or concerned.
"So you've been dying" she said, voice tight. "For years."
The Ruler's smile looked almost apologetic.
"I have been paying" he corrected.
