His jaw grew taut in response to hers, the thin and weathered scar along the line of his jaw stretching until it shone a gleaming white— white to reflect his nerves, flashes of anger, all mixed with a gutting sense of fear. Others might have told him not to dwell on the subject, but the fact still was that those who were close to them still stood a chance of disappearing any time, and without warning. Ishiah had already taken to staying by Robin's side since the incident, even if it was ultimately still different with Robin— Robin, who would be waiting back in Manhattan for Ishiah, and Robin, who was so much an integral part of Ishiah's life before they had both arrived on Tabula Rasa. With Zeke, however, the loss was complete.

Because, if Zeke was what he had claimed to be, Ishiah couldn't guarantee how the boy would live, whether his secrets would stay under wrap or if they would leak out and attract endless attention.

"I am here to commiserate," Ishiah replied after the thought, not moving from his spot as he watched Trixa move about. "I don't need details. And I assure you I do not derive pleasure from watching the suffering of others. But I am feeling Zeke's loss as well."