Kirk's breath shuddered and died in his throat. He could feel cold metal pressing the length of his spine, burning alien heat from above, and worst of all the feeling of terror that came from having his neck exposed. The delicate flesh sat still light-pink scar bright from where the tattoos had been.

The sudden, sure feeling he was about to die. Terrifying and calming. Enough that he could close his eyes and gasp out, Ael!! Not even fully a word, more a breathed sound. The name Nero had given him, he had felt in his mind as clearly as Ayel had Bones.