I've heard that line before, Tayrey almost snaps at him, but she maintains a modicum of self-control, hesitates before speaking. It's not his fault. Nothing that happened to her is his fault, and if she goes around treating new people as if they're just the same as the ones who hurt her, she'll never find any peace here.

'No, no- I apologise,' she says, somewhat stiffly. 'You did nothing wrong, and I value that you told me.' She looks back at him, draws breath sharply. 'It... it wasn't a vampire.'

'It...' There's part of her that wants to tell him everything, but maybe that's the old Tayrey, victim Tayrey who can't help but share her pain, grasping all too often for understanding from people who will never reach it.

She has to be stronger. Better than that. A proper Tradeliner.

'It doesn't matter now. I'm sure we can strike some other bargain.'