"That don't mean shit," he says, but he can feel the strength leaving his body. He has to fight to keep his eyes from rolling back, his head from lolling to the side like a corpse. At least, he knows, he won't turn. At least he won't be stuck in that hell.

"Just means you're too lazy to be upfront." He keeps his eyes on Diya the whole time. She'll do it, he knows, but he'll make her look him in the eyes. No flinching from either side.