Hades is silent in the wake of that question. He can hear Hythlodaeus crying but he can't make himself turn back and face his friend. For a while he simply continues to walk on, their steps oddly loud on an otherwise peaceful night.

Then-- "I promised you I would live before, did I not? You know I do not break my promises."

If he dies it will not be because he throws himself on to the metaphorical sword. No, he'll fight and fight to live until someone else manages to steal his last breath from him.

"'Daeus..." Finally he glances over his shoulder, expression carefully composed. "When you said you loved me in spite of my past deeds, you meant it, yes?"