[meanwhile, des HAS rehearsed this moment. a lot, even, but it does him literally no good at all. he guides malise to the settee by the door, joins her, puts an arm around her, gentling

no thoughts head empty]

Err. This is Kaine. He's my boyfriend, and I met him . . . somewhere else. In a different world.

[kaine can see the instant conclusion on malise's face: jesus christ!!!! not again!!!!!! she doesn't know WHAT exactly is happening again, but it's one of several options

"Is that so?" she asks kaine. "Tell me more. Tell me much more. If you please."]