The only one that could make the pain go away is dead by their hands. Ardbert gladly gave every bit of his being to Era so that she would live and defeat Hades. He had done it to save her life, but he knew another would end in her stead. There had only ever been room for one victor.

Era expresses the words in his heart and soul. Ardbert nods to her separately for both times she speaks to him, keeping his gaze ceilingward. He needs to keep it together so she can take Hythlodaeus to Peki without the chick realizing how upset his other mother is. So he remains silent.