Qeya River But you can do a kindness and look me in the eyes

To Anselm, that silence felt like an anvil — and his soul was bent over it, stretched like flame-pressed billet. Each spanning second was the hammer’s strike: how much more could his soul take?

He looked away in shame. He did not deserve such a friend. He did not deserve Etienne. 

I vill see you there. He should have reached for the hug, but he couldn’t. He feared that momentary embrace would be enough to weaken his senses and allow all those tormented feelings to outpour. So instead of answering he only managed a weak smile that did not warm his face. Thank you, Etienne. 

But it was then he heard the howl of Sun Eater, and pained, made his leave.

It was not the first time he owed Etienne everything.