[ she knows, the moment she suggests it, that the moment of easy casual conversation is over. he immediately is on the defensive, his posture tense, his fingers tightening around his cane. the tone of his voice changes, the question harsh, tinged with the darkness that makes kaz brekker the bastard of the barrel.

but inej does not move closer to him, after he asks. she stops where she is, and lets him put up his armor. to have his moment of defensiveness, the nerves and anxiety seizing him, in how he swallows. and once he has his moment, inej speaks, her tone gentle in comparison: ]

I think the Saints have granted me power, to heal. I feel connected to them here, in a way that I have never felt before.

[ inej pauses, there, before she takes another step forward, her arms still crossed over her chest. and her voice lowers, to create a semblance of privacy even in the closed room. ]

My people have no word for 'sorry.' We say 'mati en sheva yelu.' [ the suli words flow off her tongue easily, with a level of comfort that is not seen with ravkan, or kerch. ] It means 'this action shall have no echo.' It is a promise, to make amends.

[ she pauses again, before she takes half a step closer, shifting her eyes to meet his, her lips pursing into a slight frown. ]

I know that I did not do this to you on purpose, but I want to fix it. And I think I can, now.