<span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">An arm around Carter's waist kept the boy from sinking to the ground, Asa's arm tightening around him as he felt the energy drain from the other's body. His hand still holding Carter's hand, grabbed hold of the scalpel, tossing the blood soaked instrument aside, where it bounced and clattered against the tiled floor before sliding to a stop. <br/>
<br/>
Asa silently held onto Carter, fearing that once he let him go, it would be last time he'd ever hold him. He didn't offer an apology or empty promises. He would not lie to Carter, would not tell him that everything would be okay after this. There would be no coming back from this. All there was left now was to move onward. Asa had been aware of the possible outcomes when he came to the conclusion of what it was he had to do. And he'd rather have Carter hate him, and know that the boy was safe, instead of the alternative. Or so he tried to convince himself.<br/>
<br/>
He knew Carter didn't want him there, most likely couldn't stand the sight of him at the moment. The boy's words only confirming it, <i>'Get out... Just go. I'm finished. I can't do this. He was alive. Healthy'</i><br/>
<br/>
Carter's word fell on stubborn ears as Asa refused to let him go. Refused to leave him down here alone. He'd done what he had to. Carter might not understand it all now, but with time, he just might come around. <br/>
</span><br/><i><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'">'You're a monster... You're not who I remember'</span></i><br/><span style="font-family: 'Georgia'"><br/>
It was true, but it didn't make hearing those words from Carter hurt any less, the invisible knife twisting in Asa's chest. He couldn't begin to imagine what Carter would think of him if he knew what he really was. A monster that took on the guise of a human, who preyed on the innocent and guilty alike.<br/>
<br/>
Scooping up the trembling boy, ignoring any protests, he left the room. He'd come back later to clean up. Going even deeper into a confusing maze of winding passageways, it would eventually lead them up a hidden set of stairs, that led to a door directly into Asa's room. Hidden behind a giant tapestry of a weeping willow.<br/>
<br/>
Crossing over to the en-suite, he finally set Carter down, "Shower. I'll have Nancy bring you some new clothes." He said, before leaving the bathroom. Poking his head out of the bedroom door, he called for the above mentioned staff member, telling her to get Carter something clean to wear and to leave it on the bed. Back inside the room, he let his eyes shut, his head thumping against the door. It had to be done. The man had to pay for what he'd done and Carter needed to understand that certain actions had dire consequences. Now was not the time to doubt any of it.<br/>
<br/>
Drawing in a deep breath, he released it slowly before heading back to the bathroom to check on Carter and make sure he'd done what he'd been told.</span>