[ unable to help it, she takes his hand in both of hers. The words rumble out of her before she can stop them, as they gush forth straight from her heart. ]

Aqua. You worked your whole life on that plan and even managed to execute it. I just can’t see failure as something that happens to you. You gave your life to kill that disgusting man. Don’t believe it was for nothing. Of course it meant something.

… this will sound macabre, but I think even in the best case scenario for him, he bleeds out before he can get help.

I know—well… I think I’ve gotten to know you, at least a little. You didn’t fail. Ruby will be fine. [ more exquisite lies. but the determination in her face is real. ] And that man? Is dead.