"Long time no see, Officer Blackheart." Damian's voice was calm. "You look like shit."
'He–'
Ashley's face twisted, the words hitting her like a physical blow.
Those were the exact words she'd used when greeting him in the investigation room after he'd emerged from the second portal, battered and traumatized.
The irony wasn't lost on either of them.
Her head turned frantically, eyes searching the mountain peak, looking for someone.
"Where– where is she? The old woman who–"
"Are you looking for Grandma?" Damian's voice cut through her searching. "You won't be seeing her again… Or anyone else for that matter."
Ashley's searching stopped, her eyes finding Damian's face again.
The meaning sank in slowly, understanding dawning across her features.
She stared at him for a long moment, her face cycling through denial, hope, and finally resignation.
"Is there–"
Her voice cracked.
"Is there no other way? I could– I can do anyth–"
Damian's hand moved to his spatial ring.
Whoosh
