[ Matt, meanwhile, feels somewhere between nauseated and strangely cleansed. Saying all that at once is like purging the uneasy thoughts he's kept to himself for days. But it also means being exposed. It's an uncomfortable, raw-nerved feeling.

And then there's what Liem has to say in turn. "To simply rule a continent." ]

What else could they want? [ Matt protests faintly. ] "Destroying what's left of the universe" isn't exactly a winning sales pitch. Why would they make that up?

[ Something in Liem's expression, in the set of his shoulders, tugs at Matt's heart. Tenderly, like a purpling bruise. He shifts closer to him, and holds out the flask. It's significantly lighter now, but hopefully there's enough left to warm him. ]