[ that sigh pushes him to finally move; gently, gingerly, he sets a hand on their shoulder, having closed the distance between them in near silence.

It sounds like things are just the way he guessed. He can't help feeling a little resentful towards Ghost, dying (or "dying") and leaving this curse on Cairngorm. Anyone would feel the way they do - beholden to the last wish of someone so close, one that can never truly be fulfilled. But trying to pin it all on Ghost would be even crueler. Cairngorm doesn't need the extra guilt of harboring a grudge against their twin, too. ]

You don't, [ he says softly. It's not a command or a correction - simply a plain statement. ] You've done everything in your power, Cairn. Phos is their own person - whatever protection you can give, I believe you've given. If you keep letting this guilt hang over you, it'll control your life.

[ he knows a thing or two about that. ]