[ The minute Clarie’s smile falters, Hilda wonders if she misstepped and said something wrong. But then her breath stills, catching in her throat at Claire’s admission.

Everyone had a story. She’d be silly to think that wasn’t the case. But sometimes it was just easier to forget the awful, even if it was an intricate fabric of who someone was. Immediately she reaches for Claire’s hand again to support her in some way if her words failed her. It’s followed by the realization why Claire had reacted so strongly when she told her that the Summoned were sent to one of three locations and wouldn’t be able to see each other in person unless it was in Nocwich. ]

I’m sorry, Claire. [ She wants to tell her that she’s sure that isn’t the case. That there’s a chance that she and Jamie are both okay — but her voice catches in her throat again because she recalls the things that Petra told her about her fate in Petra’s timeline. ] Your love sounds so strong. Those things temper love, right? And regardless of what happens at home, we’re here now.

[ She hesitates, but then presses on, hoping that somehow, telling Claire will bring the woman comfort in some way. ]

I apparently die in a friend’s timeline back home. [ Hilda, to her credit, tries to force some levity into her voice even though she knows it isn’t necessary and she shouldn’t, but she doesn’t know how to react any other way. ] So at least we might be in the same boat in the at respect.