If there is one person who understands the desire to sequester himself away for the sake of others, it's the twice-cursed standing before Pratt. They are maligned for a reason, and however much Carlisle may try to convince himself otherwise these days, a part of him will always understand why... and be embittered about it. Being taken from his own world has granted him some perspective, but there is only so much of the old ways he can unlearn, so much damage they did to him that can be undone.

"It is the silence of knowing you are truly on your own, for better and for worse," he adds. "So often for worse, as this place has proven time and time again. Of all that this city has dragged to this realm, the absence was the most horrifying in some ways."

He picks at the bandage on his arm, no longer the most stained part of his outfit. "How did you manage, Deputy?"