There's a slight buzzing in his ears he can't manage to shake. Cullen's words lodge in his head -- with visibility comes vulnerability -- and all Alistair can see is the bright, open sky, the walls circling the garden that let everyone cast an eye down into its center. Breathe, he tries to command himself. Breathe.

He can't let Kieran see him like this. This won't be the impression he makes on his son.

"I should -- " He pushes his chair back. "Leave you to your game. I've just remembered something."

It's a weak, obvious lie, but it's all he can think up.