“I didn’t mean to startle you,” which is sort of like an apology with the expression she wears and tone in her words, despite the distinct lack of the two most common apologetic words most people might interject at the start. “If it helps, you’re not the only person I’ve unintentionally startled before.” Is that a consolation or is it just creepier than she meant it to be? This boy’s personal interpretation will well, perhaps.

She muses at the question, head tipped to the side, hands folded and tucked behind her back— no threat found here, she looks nearly innocent like that— and lets a soft hum pass her lips. “I wouldn’t say it’s a bad thing. There are people in my world who can control different elements— collectively, they’re called Grisha— the Inferni control fire.”