[As promised, Nikolai arrives at the park gates not long after. Gwenhwyfar is easy to spot, skulking by a tree off to the side of the broad path and the curated landscaping that marks the main entrance to the park. The sight of her hurls him right back to that night. Her hands on her throat and her snarl hanging above him. Her arms cradling him with surprising strength and even more surprising gentleness as she carried him home. And then she had gone without a word, slipping back into the night.

Facing her now, Nikolai realizes that he isn't certain how to be around her. Gwenhwyfar knows his worst secret, and she can understand it better than anyone else. Yet shame and guilt weight heavily on him for the monster's actions that night — for his actions. These twin weights make it difficult to look her in the eye. And perhaps he's overcompensating, willfully continuing to show a bright countenance despite the darkness swelling inside.

Nevertheless, he faces her. His pleasant expression is difficult to read.]

You don't seem a fan of pleasantries, and besides, we got that part out of the way over the phone. So, Gwenhwyfar, what do you have for me today?