They follow his every move, watch his every step, and so Silco does not halt too long when he sees him lying there. He does not falter, but crouches instead. He takes a little girl's hand in his and pretends not to need a minute to compose himself. He looks at Vander's face, stuck in a never-to-end sleep, and internally snarls at the memories that come forth.

He turns his attention to the girl. He couldn't keep Vander from betraying him, but he can keep this child, his child. He can raise her to be and believe everything they should have been and fought for, together. He will.