Silco still remembered the choking. The feel of Vanders hands tight around his neck as he struggled beneath him. It hadn’t been his fault- it was just Vander’s anger.

Stood waist deep in the same river he almost died in brought back horrible memories. The thrashing, the blood in the water.

Silco turned to you, his eyes often so cold now soft with vulnerability. He touched his eye, then the water. “This is the spot I almost died.” He said softly, “Vander almost knocked my eye out.”

You touch his shoulder, and he visibly relaxes. Silco’s mind fills of memories of fire, of death, of blood, of violence…of betrayal. Then suddenly they’re clear.

You wouldn’t betray him. Silco knew you were nothing like Vander, hopelessly devoted to him, so deeply in love. You weren’t as violent as Vander, you weren’t as big as Vander. And besides, Silco had power now. He had nothing to fear anymore.

“This is where the old me did die.” He corrected softly, “and from the water rose the eye of Zaun” a title he was proud of. Silco turned to you, “you won’t do what Vander did.” He stated, more telling you— warning you— than begging. Silco didn’t ever beg.