Nothing else could be so poignant in meaning like his brother's cast. His statement. The insinuations laced in perceived double standards, tossed at his feet while in the presence of another. Nigredo knew what he could not accept the other day had hurt Albedo, for reasons unwilling to be divulged. Here was the reminder of the acceptance he had given up for lackluster security. Here was his mistake in so many words. He wondered why he had bothered to live another day.

And regretted the thought instantly in light of last evening. Remembered what remained after his brother and wanted to cry. At the end of the day, this was all Nigredo had, didn't he? And that could not be guaranteed. Despondence flitted across the boy's features before fading to stillness, and he glanced to his lap.

"I'm sorry," he offered in a mutter.

There was a moment's pause, and Nigredo spoke once more. Ritsuka hopefully wouldn't mind the delay in the answer to his question. "A group and I got trapped in the basement. We ran into something I hadn't predicted." He had won, but that victory felt hollow. "I guess it's obvious what happened next."