He still doesn't see the use of it, and one of the bigger things that he's been entirely avoiding confronting - even admitting to the possibility of - creeps up dark and cold in the back of his mind as he listens to Abel talking.

A story that doesn't end in sacrifice, huh? Is he sure about that?

"Mmn."

Sure, he won't say a word.

"... Tell him what you want," he repeats, a little more quietly. "I don't care."