They’re all things Stephen instinctively knows on some level, deep down, but having it laid out so tidily is a well-needed reminder as to why that debate has been such an uphill slog. So much of his discussions with Mobius keep colliding with the fact that the man still has all his faith in spades; still believes with all his heart that he can do the most good with those abilities, no matter the personal toll.

“Annoyingly, you’re correct on all points.” There’s a beat, then, “Until the thing with the demon, I didn’t realise that you were so close to Orlov. You followed his journey off lyrium?”