The flame from the lighter tried to catch onto the curtain, but it wasn't enough to leave more than a fizzling black spot. Maybe if the fabric was extremely flammable or he had more alcohol.... Well, so much for that attempt.

He fizzled out, too. He stepped back, sure Nill was going to grab him, but he was left to his own devices. He let her lighter drop to the floor as his arm went limp, having used up all his stores of resolution. He'd already broken down once tonight, and he was too tired for another round, too helpless. Trapped, too; behind them, the party floor opened to nothing but sky framed with rock and cliff and the ever-present Peacekeepers.

He sunk down to the floor, set his glass aside, and hugged his knees without a word.