Twice, Simon had felt like a fool.
The first time was when he finally understood that the seeds of sin were the answer to his predicament.
The second was now.
He had needed Lilith to point him toward something inside his own heart. Now he had needed the sound of his own laughter to recognise how badly he had lost control.
His bloodied grin lingered.
He was disappointed in both mistakes. More than that, he was disgusted by how long it had taken him to recognise them.
Ever since those eyes appeared, he had not been himself.
He had struggled to think. Shouted without restraint. Demanded answers even while knowing what each answer might cost him.
And he had been afraid.
He still was.
The pressure continued crushing his ruined body, and the certainty of death returned with every painful contraction of his heart.
But now he understood something else.
Fearless
