Zoreth’s tears were just a physical reaction born out of the searing pain ravaging her body, not the expression of her emotions.

She had no emotions anymore, her personality prisoner in a corner of her mind where no light or hope could reach her.

***

Verhen Mansion, at the same time.

It had taken Bytra a warm blanket, many cups of tea spiked with Red Dragon, and several minutes to stop shivering.

“Can you speak now?” Solus asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Bytra gulped her tea, keeping her Eldritch side at bay to let the powerful alcohol soothe her nerves.