Noctisardor Bypass I own that technology now.

No no no no no no —
Anselm’s eyes widened to their true height, gold ringed by shades of sharp fear. 

Revulsion. No. That cannot be. He pulled away instinctively, his lips curled in a grimace as if he’d tasted fruit so vile his tongue would never be rid of it. 

It could not be true; it was not true he was just like his father; like it was not true he’d always resented her. These untruths tore at his perception, fraying the edges of his mind with rising dismay. 

He nearly missed the insinuation he wasn’t someone safe. Anselm sucked through his teeth with protest. I am somevone safe. I didn’t resent you, he countered to a receding back, coming to terms with the harrowing realization that he’d done far worse than he knew.  The tears that rimmed his gaze hardened to crystals, cutting into him with the same clarity as diamondbacked disgust.

Vhat are their names? Anselm finally managed in a choked whisper, but at this point Heda had ducked back towards the den. 

If ever there was a hour Anselm truly hated himself, it was this. Nothing compared to the winterstorm of self loathing that raged in his sinking heart. 

He wished in that moment to simply absorb into the dirt he accused Heda of being part of - he was trash, and the filthy earth his denizen’s court. 

He belonged there more than she.