[It is only because it will destroy him that she pushes against it at all. Of course, immolation, corruption can only be done with so much willingness. It cannot be fully chosen or leaned into, but it can be allowed. So for her to struggle is like the legs of a corpse kicking after the heart has stopped.

Because he is right: She is going to let him do this to her.

Set knew when he came to her what she was and how she receives the requests of others. That she will not resent him no matter what he does. She'll be able to receive this too, all the same.

This kiss is the ugliest player in all of this. Even as they struggle in this, it feels like a connection-breaking lie, something that shouldn't exist for them if it is genuine. Caren turns her head from it, almost petulantly, the only thing he doesn't mean. It sedates her nonetheless; no longer physically struggling, she lets her head hang. Limply, mostly kept aloft by her hair, she too has stopped kicking.]

No. [It's weaker than before.] You're a heathen god...a devil.

[Will it be like the veil of Zenith's darkness being lifted from her eyes, or will a piece of her have broken off, another piece that shouldn't have existed, so that she forgets some of what transpired? When he's finished, he won't delight in what he's done. She will not care either way.

It will destroy him, but he's asking not to stay the destruction, but to be rebuilt.]

If I come, you will be exorcised. Sooner or later. But you will not have to be alone. That is how I'll forgive you.