Everything is wrong, hollowed out and crushed flat. Words are just words. Touch is no longer an invitation. Nothing, while Ronan shivers through his reassurances, feels real. He might as well be watching a recording of Ronan trying to soothe him, one of those empty television dramas that never quite work, for him.

But the words are still true. Aren't they? Ronan hasn't become a liar simply because Kylo can't press into his mind to be certain. Kylo sets his jaw, focusing on the physical sensation of his teeth crushing together. His heart, pounding. The sharp pain where Declan landed a particularly hefty blow.

If Declan won't stop until he's no longer afraid, Kylo could be trapped like this for some time. He's given Ronan's brother every reason to fear further attack with his reactions. He regrets none of them.