It wasn't so many years ago that he felt the same. Having someone you'd live and die and kill for? Someone you'd sell your soul for? He knows that feeling. He knows where that feeling gets you, too, the memory seared into his skin just under his ribcage. Jacob still believe in it, though, that's clear. Nothing but truth in that angry stare.

Which almost makes Ral laugh, lips twisting upwards. It doesn't last long.

"You've killed your fair share, right? How many of them do you think thought they were going to have their friends beside them, in the end?"

The lines around his face harden, tense. "We're all going to die alone."