"There is nothing more to be broken." Almost breathless is that potent bitterness as it leaves him, chased by a brief intake of air. Something akin to the way a man might reel in the wake of a blow— only it is his own doing. Ever his own.

He can hardly blame his twin for this misery that still haunts him.

"The laws which once bound me are so long-ago lost, neither shame nor searching retribution would do what remains of my pride undue harm."

He pauses there, as if considering the weight of something near-within his grasp. His throat feels dry, his armor heavy.

"I have shattered that oath myself already."