Whatever Hythlodaeus had been expecting, it wasn't this. There is a new edge to Hades's voice, one that he has barely ever heard before, and one that tells Hythlodaeus that this time his friend really is too close to the breaking point, the one where there may be no return afterwards. His composure crumbles, the fear that he's been trying to hold back this entire time breaking through.

"Hades--"

His voice is quiet, lost and frightened; and though perhaps it's not the best move, the name tumbles from his lips unthinkingly.