“‘Tis a powerful enough force on its own.”

It would be foolish to deny the possibility that it was optimism speaking in his stead. However, it would also be foolish to deny the sheer power hope has proven to possess throughout his pursuits and mission. Without it, nothing was possible. Of that, Joshua felt sure.

That single act of a faceless figure breaking away from their brethren did its part in reaffirming his belief.

Which left room for other matters.

“Pray humor me,” Joshua mused, “to what do I owe the honor of hosting a specter from Hell itself?”