[Stella exhales softly, letting out the breath she didnt know she was holding. Her grip on him, however, remains as intense as ever-- the way she had held him on Tuesday, and Saturday before that, and even last night-- like he might slip away, if she dares loosen her grip.

But she does calm, both with his comfort, and with the way she's been practicing lately, to try and steady her magic. When she speaks, it's bitterly, but she's collected at least.]

I hope they're telling the truth, about that. But even if they aren't-- he's capable. He will figure something out.

He'll have to. I'm not giving him anything.