It takes him a moment to process the request, because the idea of leaving Arthur in the midst of this- he hates it. He genuinely hates it.

But when he feels the arm rising, it's like a stab to a heart he doesn't have. The mask detaches well before it would ever get there.

And John isn't saying anything. Not until he's opening the door.

"I'm going." He can't pull the hurt and frustration from his tone. There are many things he could keep himself calm through. Being rejected on this level is not one of them. His mind flashes to the caves, to the time before the pit. What he'd done, what he'd said.

He isn't making that mistake. Not again. Instead-

"I'll be in my cabin."

And he won't wait to hear Arthur's response before closing the door behind him.