[the fact pal is there in this conversation, in the corners of it, pressed up in every word viktor says should make him bite his tongue. what it does instead is fuel some of that budding rage, one starting to tunnel his vision as he finds himself saying coldly,]

Yes, so I understand. I was not a matter those pairs sent to try and achieve it knew, yes? Certainly not the cavaliers. [he can't tear his eyes away, voice a hiss as he continues,] Did your own cavalier know?

[because surely the man is a lyctor and that soul fuels him. surely.]