It's more reassuring than Hythlodaeus knows to have this affirmation of love. Hades hadn't thought he would have to confront the open judgement of his kin, but this is enough. More than enough. He's just not sure there is any penance that can make up for what he's done.

He trusts Hythlodaeus though. He would trust his friend with his life. He just doesn't know if this all isn't some delusion meant to test him.

Taking in a deep breath, he cups his friend's face and kisses them gently. Then he takes their hand and starts to walk onwards, further into the cave. He keeps his gaze fixed on the ground, unable to make himself look at the bodies or at Hythlodaeus' corpse.

As he passes the Architect, they leave him with a parting jab.

"Remember that you have already failed once. What makes you so sure that you won't fail again?"

His breath catches and he breaks into a run, fleeing past them and the altar, fleeing well into the darker depths of the cave with Hythlodaeus hopefully still behind him.

There is no sprite to greet him. Only pressing darkness. Eventually he slows and releases Hythlodaeus' hand, clutching his head instead as his quiet weeping echoes against the cave walls.