face the consequences

He was her partner, and that was one reason his failures hurt so bad. Rhyme felt like he wasn't equal in this partnership, all he could see was Shaye pulling them along by her determination alone. He was just useless baggage. Instead of being heartened by her words he only wanted to sink deeper. In a million years he would never deserve her.

Rhyme didn't miss her gentle prodding either, and he felt an odd relief that she didn't take the blame upon herself for his mood. He wasn't about to get rid of her anytime soon, and she had already said she wasn't going anywhere if he was ready to talk or not. As soon as he brought the words to his throat the raw pain of it returned with a fury. His father didn't trust him, and he was nameless. Shamed.

This time he cried out as the wave washed over him, a muffled whimper as he wallowed in his weakness. He wanted to disappear and be no more. He wouldn't have his burdens any longer, the pain would be gone. Darilnor would be waiting.

"I.." what did he say? How could he begin to express what he was going through. "Its gone." he muttered into his paws, eyes closed as he attempted to keep his breathing even. "He took my name, and with out even laying eyes on them he took their name. He continued, knowing he was being cryptic as his words jumped around. He wasn't even sure if Shaye was following. "I am nothing. he hissed as he felt the dark tendrils of his storm cloud gripping him tightly.