Devero's eyes roam Koumyou's face. Somewhere deep inside of him is Valdana's beaten hound, terrified that this is a test of some kind, baying for him to insist on holding on to the responsibility. Everything has to be his responsibility, he has to--

These warm brown eyes aren't Valdana's. Valdana is dead.

This is important. He doesn't have to shoulder every burden just because Madame wants to see him bend and suffer. Koumyou won't let him.

Devero's breath catches in his throat as that rushes in on him. Not only that he doesn't have to try and lift every burden, but that this man he's chosen to share his life with doesn't want him trying to hold his karma.

His eyes suddenly prickle up with tears, and he looks away first, to dash them away. "I understand," he says in a hoarse whisper.