The only thing Kylo needs is Declan and the separation he brings with him gone— and it's that single-mindedness of purpose that keeps him fighting until Ronan's voice draws his attention to what exactly it is that he's fighting against.

There's a flash of betrayal at the realisation. A sick, lurching moment, where in his blinded and numbed isolation he can't feel Ronan's choice. All he has is that plea, and Ronan, holding him back while Declan refuses to leave. Ronan is hardly the sword in his hand now, is he.

"He attacked me," Kylo bites back, the heat of the accusation almost enough to burn out the traces of the one underneath.