Mind-reader or no, she'd gotten to the point he was trying to make, and had even been hesitating over whether to say or not. Hiding was the reason he had lied; it was entirely selfish and devoid of malignant intention, even in the moment. That didn't make it better, but it at least couldn't make it worse.

He exhaled slowly, and opted to take the spot Anani had vacated, though far enough away from Valdis to not crowd her. "I will remember that," Devin promised quietly. He trusted her more than he'd trusted anyone in a long time, and hoped that he could demonstrate that better through his actions than their last encounter would suggest. Saying it aloud was somehow infinitely more difficult.

The vampire leaned forward, fingers together as he stared at a spot on the floor. "Is it... normal to be terrified of something you want?"