"That certainly sounds like my brother. He's always been a hedonistic creature, and he had a certain talent for getting others wrapped around his finger." Including Arkady, not that he would ever admit it. Nor would Arkady ever admit that he's arrogant, with a hedonist streak of his own.

"I'm not afraid," Arkady leans in, placing the box back on the table. Why keep stroking that skull if he's going to be reunited with Ashley anyway. "I'm confident that I can handle whatever trials you may throw at me." He meant it too. Arkady figured that he knew himself well enough that having any illusions tossed away wouldn't bother him.

"Is he still beautiful?"