Carlisle's eyes fall again as he ponders Rose's words. Having lost everything is exactly how he has described his experiences a few times himself: he lost his father and his uncles years ago, his church and home when taken from Bear Den, and what life he'd made on the Tranquility when pulled through Hadriel's Door. From his time in the city, he has lost friends, both had them vanish and watched them die. He has gained much as well, but what good he has in his life only seems to fuel his fears.

And even if he loses everything, does he not have more to lose eventually? That is the fate of all twice-cursed, their afflictions wearing them away until there is nothing left. Knowing the nature of his curse has dinner him no favors when it comes to his paranoia.

However, he can't deny the advice Rose offers does resonate within him, in a way. "Is this Passenger a god of some sort, as well?"