Kell's thumb raises goosebumps along Lila's skin, makes the tiny hairs along her arms stand on end. She forgets to breathe. He speaks and she barely registers the words, letting the sound of his voice melt over her. What is it about him that does this to her?

"Like Tieren," she says, and it comes out like a whisper. "He knew about you in the Essen Tasch." Her lips, previously parted, poised and wanting his, quirk into a smile. "He knew about me, too. He had the look of a long-suffering parent."