For the end of it, Caleb looked to the ceiling, trying to find some grounding peace inside of himself. He longed for his familiar, but there was nothing for it. And right now, there was nothing but pain settling in in that raw, hot dullness that subsumed his being.

He breathed. Slowly, the tears dried up even though the incisions were still throbbing, gently bleeding.

The door clacked open, acknowledging their individual sacrifices.