Oscar's speech did little to soothe Howard's fury, his attempts at comfort being outright rejected. Oscar stood as he was shaken off, staggering back as Howard doubled down within his despair. If he was being honest, Oscar had seen this coming--and yet it still hurt. Oscar stared at the hand he had placed on Howard, blood spread across his gloved palm. He clenched his hand into a fist, spreading the blood to his fingers. How did he keep making the same mistake over and over again?

Kindness had no place within this cruel world, and being reminded of this fact yet again pushed Oscar forward. All that mattered was locating what value this tomb held, something beyond the horrible truths that broke a man like Howard Slayte.

Oscar simply nodded, following Howard as he ventured deeper into the ruins. Despite the uncertainty of his mental state, Oscar would not leave Howard to wander alone.

howard slayte