Jaw clenching tight, James swallowed. It was his fault. He drove the blade into the pirate’s chest, and he had seen him slump against the tree, as he had returned to human form. His gaze shifts a fraction, and he can only hope she can’t see his guilt, he thinks it must be impossible because he feels like it’s practically radiating off of him.

His heart was wrenched as her voice suddenly pitched unevenly, and she pleaded to see Ragetti. He had been taken to the clinic, he thought. “.. –the clinic. The doctor, took him away...-“ He wasn’t sure how to put it, surely there would be some examining, or something. Funerals. That’s what funerals were for. Her words were quickly becoming nonsensical and James didn’t understand. Sparkly? What did she mean. He wanted to tell her to calm down, but found her couldn’t.

For the second time his coat was pulled on tightly and though he didn’t yet touch her, James's hands hovered as though he was going to put them on her shoulders to steady her. “Delirium. You can’t see him. I’m so sorry.” He said quietly, firmly, feeling absolutely wretched as he spoke, eyes downcast.