"...what's the truth?"

Does Ephemera really want to keep hurting him over and over until he snaps back and they begin the murder cycle?

"I don't think you'll ever be drinking buddies, but. You don't have to be at each other's throats. Maybe you'll be able to walk past each other without reacting at all, someday. And for that you're gonna have to know him a little. Be able to at least trust he won't hurt your people."