[He sees that look, as short as it is - Holmes is still in there, despite the beast's twisting. Another side effect of their separation, perhaps?

He nods, shortly.]

Indeed. Though to me, it is not my love that is distorted - it is your purpose. If that is due to our splitting, then it it was the best thing we did in our lives.

[He winces, again - the burning is beginning to overwhelm him, his hand going back to clutch at where the Authority burns.]

...And I assume you will continue to devour what you can?