"Huh," says Luther, with genuine interest. "What is it with the ocean and tentacles? Tentacle guys sound cool. Maybe Ben would have been happier in the ocean." He's relieved to pull the last stich through, tying the thread off and dabbing away the last of the blood.

Maybe Kallus wasn't in danger of bleeding out, but something settles deep inside Luther to have it done.

"Pretty sure V's gonna use up the hot water, or a lot of it. How tired are you?" Even as he speaks, Luther switches over to the bucket of warm water and a new washcloth, beginning to wipe Kallus down with sure, firm passes of the cloth.