[That...strangely, was a sound Ardyn knew. One he’d heard long ago, in his own voice—the sound of I don’t care if it destroys me, of I can’t stop until this world is safe, of my life is nothing next to all of Lucis.]

[It wasn’t sympathy he felt at the familiarity, but hatred. Ardyn heard himself reflected in that laugh, heard the resignation of one who damned himself for some nebulous cause so much more important than one life...and he detested the sound knowing what Xander had done. What he was still doing. But winding up and breaking his jaw would accomplish nothing, and so Ardyn struck out the only way he could: with a pleasant smile and dissonantly cheerful statement.]

Pray it destroys you before I do. The former would be more merciful a fate, and when I get my hands on you you will understand what it takes to orchestrate human suffering for your own goals.