As he waited for Cloud's response, he wanted some sort of confirmation that Cloud was willing to let go of his doubt so that he could become better. Elias had a bad habit of jumping to assumptions and following his gut, he knew this... but being hit with the sound of concern and almost blatant fear in his son's voice put things about Cloud into a different perspective for him.
His gaze softened, lighter marked 'brow dots raising slightly as his muscles visibly loosened up. His weight even seemed to pull away from Cloud a bit as he relaxed and thought over his question. His question was personally painful for Elias, and not one that he had been expecting to hear. Stone visage turned away from Cloud slightly as his memory flooded his mind's eye with haunting circumstances of his past; Katar's bloody and cracked open skull, the painful memory of the family of wolves hiding in the jungle of his youth that he murdered, Zuriel...
Every evil crime he had committed, he knew he could blame on his own irresponsibility for not fulfilling what was expected of him in this life. His chaotic and ongoing rampage had been due to his lack of embracing the demons his father tried to warn him about. His squared maw motioned slightly in jerky movements as he had to strongly will his attention back to Cloud. Brilliantly red gaze scorched the boy as they stared at for a moment while he gathered himself.
"When demons are hungrier than you are eager to feed them, they consume you. Their souls are an ancient strength and they will take what they need when you stray from your fated path. It is avoidable, Cloud... you can learn what it is that they need." At least, this was a new truth he was telling himself since his claim over the Maw. So far, he'd had no incidents... though it seemed a lot easier to stay out of his own mind with so much demanded of him. That isn't what Cloud asked, though.. so he refocused.
"Though if that does happen... if they take control and you can not stop it, that is when you trust in Ruina. I nor any of the wolves sworn to my blood will allow you or your demons to drown on your own. When you can't sate them, we will.. until you are free from their control." Freedom came in many ways, though the grimmest forms of it weren't something he was referring to however he couldn't stop it from coming to mind right now. Elias could recall the mad wolf his father took care of when he was a child. Some part of him always knew that his father killed that wolf, though he could not be certain. All he knew was the funeral held for him and that his soul was now resting with the rest of Ruina's fallen in an honorable death. He had to shut his eyes for a moment as he thought of his own son being in the position of that wolf. He could not let that happen. It wasn't even that long ago he was asking Acere to take care of himself, and had he complied with his wishes.. well, Elias wouldn't even have the opportunity to help Cloud.
"I won't let them keep you, Cloud. If you are asking me this, it must mean that things.. are bad. Let me help you," his voice was almost at a plea, which was uncommon for Elias. He'd turned away the Ancora boys at first when they were uncertain, but something about Cloud told Elias that he needed his help. Elias was likely the only one to truly understand what was going on with him. He needed him, and Elias did not want to have to watch him part ways with him again.
