[He draws in a breath, regret surging through him. His gaze drops, almost helpless. One hand folds inward, an embrace for himself. The other remains on their hand, grounding as always. He won't leave her, won't turn away.]

I dreamed about her, a few months ago. Here, I mean. It was one of the Phoenix's memories. I saw her attack it. I think - [He swallows, throat bobbing.] She's the reason the Phoenix became so weak. Why the Aurelius family shrank so terribly. Even now, with all its power, it's nothing compared to what I have seen from other Blessed.