It was too late for that. I knew it was, rests in the back of Illarion's mind. He doesn't say it; it is a truth that will need said, but now's not the moment.

It doesn't change the reality behind it, either: That he'd have done exactly the same thing to save Tabris, as much as to avenge him. Lord of Hell, give me back my son.

Illarion swallows back the ashy taste of his own failure, and the impulse to pull away again from guilt and his own monstrosity. He's an unfit parent, years out of practice, warped through death--and yet he'd gotten here by neglecting his duties, and damned if he will keep up the trend.

He steps forward and pulls Kaworu into his arms, tucking the boy's pale head beneath his chin. "I am sorry to have taken myself away. I will not, again."

If it's possible for him to escape the trap he's made for himself. If it's possible for any of them to do that.