"There was no time," Asher insists. "I was called to Jean-Claude's room, and they were waiting." He walks around Nathaniel, careful to leave him space, not wanting to drive him away.

"They took me to bed to protect me from Musette, nothing more." Anita may have saved his life, but he still doubts her sincerity - she would do the same for any of her people, and he knows his gift is at least partially responsible for her devotion now.

"They asked me to bed, and the ardeur came over us, and then dawn came. I would have come to you, had there been time." And when he had been cast out, when he had seen Nathaniel at the end of the corridor, he had been unable to face him.