Bariyan winced at that. And he took a while to answer, knowing that he had to tread carefully with his answers. We can't help what we are, he thought. But he assumed that would not do anything to improve Koltira's mood.

"I'm sorry for that," Bariyan said, instead. Again resisting the urge to raise a hand to his neck. "You attacked me in a way that I did not expect. I was surprised." Left unsaid: I might do better next time. If there was a next time. Gods willing, there wouldn't be.

He drew in a breath that did nothing, went nowhere.

"I don't think you're a monster, Koltira," Bariyan said. "Not then, not now. I'm only worried."