[ It's an odd sensation, to be seen. To be acknowledged. Clea is not sure what to do with it. Once, with a different man, she would have known, but here and now she is lost. To have someone looking at her with sadness and not with disappointment or need. If he doesn't need or want anything from her, how is she to know what she's supposed to do? Despite him not being Verso, an absurd part of Clea - a part she smothers in her mind as ruthlessly as she plots the downfall of their enemies - wants to apologize.

For making him look at her that way. She's done something wrong.

Alicia is an easier topic.

He's right. It needs to be her decision. Clea 'hmms' in a neutral tone, shifting her weight as she considers his words. ]

You're right. I'll leave her.

[ It should be Alicia's decision and while her sister is young and naive, she isn't stupid. Clea knows what choice she will make. Why would she leave her home and her parents, useless though they may be at the moment? They've had a taste of what Alicia's life is like with only Clea for support, and it is woefully lacking. Could she have done a better job looking after Alicia after the fire?

It's her fault. What 'it' is, Clea does not know, but she knows it happened because she had not been good enough. Skilled enough. Aware enough. The fire? Verso? Alicia's injuries? Yes. ]

I hope that she does. We deserve the surprise and she deserves the freedom. I would welcome it.