Once finished with the knots, Devin follows after Rutile to retrieve more building materials. Piling up the sandbag wall is slow but steady work, and they're not in enough of a rush to waste energy in running around.

"To each their own form of misery," he agrees, brushing sand and dirt off his clothing as they walk. "Most of my kind can't do sunlight, either, and prolonged exposure is dangerous to humans, too. But yes, I was a soldier for about ten years in total. We had two world wars and I couldn't in good conscience sit idly by, no matter the logistical issues of a vampire serving secretly among humans."

Devin shrugs, not relaxed but by no means uncomfortable with sharing this information. "I've spent most of my life fighting on my own, though, or studying the nature of my universe. What makes sunny days a danger in your world?"