Continuing to research the rune

"Do you mean we've exhausted your well of knowledge, or are you unwilling to share?"

"I've answered every question. I swear it."

"You answered every question currently presented to you, yes.  Now I have some new ones.  My satisfaction with the answers you provide can go towards reducing your... discomfort.  Here's the primary piece of information I need from you:  In regards to the rune you have branded and tattooed, how do the cultists prevent the madness from the one you feed from seeping into your minds?  Is there a predatory ritual component, or what?"

"She doesn't prevent it." The mortal struggles further with his breathing as if it has been days since he's had a drop of water.
"She opens the mind, resistance leads to an early end."

Henry will poke his head out the door and speak quietly with Jeffery.

"Would it be possible to get him a drink of water?  It's hard to hear him.  Unless the dehydration is part of one of Virág's experiments."

Jeffery provides a half nod. "My master removed the gastro system Sir. He was having one of his episodes and complained of the mess. I was instructed to provide an IV for 5 minutes every 12 hours. He removed several tendons as well prior to removing the eyes." Jeffery only seems innerved by the eye part, and it is a subtle tell.