It was strange to think that something like a drop of blood could cause such a strong change in her, but he had more experience in this sort of thing than Lane did. Still, something about her relationship with her mother nagged at her. There had always been something off, and if her mother was harboring some deep, dark secret, that might explain some of it. Or maybe that was just how her mother was, able to connect with her kind and doting son, but unable to do so with her benevolent and dedicated daughter. Lane forced out a sigh and lifted her eyes to look at James again, who still looked as if he had been hit by a truck.<br/><br/>She picked up a napkin as his nose had begun to bleed again, and she dabbed the snow white cloth against his face. It was strange to think about how they had met now, and even though so little time had passed, it felt like it had been a long time since he walked into her shop, all glowing and brimming with energy. Lane followed his gaze as his eyes slid toward the bathroom door, and she felt as if she had seen that kind of look before. It was a yearning, a dishonest yearning, the kind of gaze a child had when their mother left their favorite dessert on the counter in full reach. Whatever he had done to pick himself up, Lane wondered if he was considering doing it again.<br/><br/>Now when she looked into his eyes, she saw some of the age there. Though she had possessed Adella's memories for the better part of the day, she had not really reconciled that the man standing before her had lived through that and many other times. Now it was as if it was in clear view. Lane got the distinct feeling she should have felt like a very young woman next to him, but instead she felt something else. The tug the eternity, or something, like maybe Adela was not the first time her soul had met his. Like this was not going to be the last.<br/><br/>"You've certainly enjoyed whisking me off to the bedroom, but I think I'll reserve judgment on the ravaging, dark entity part." She smirked a little at him, but it faded into a softer expression quite quickly. He was not wrong though, the way he had been with her in bed was a draw. The chemistry between them had been so strong. And then something heavy came into her gaze, though she had not intended it to. "But if you want me to help you, you have to let me help you..."<br/><br/>She could have been referring to the problem with the salamander in his leg, but she got the feeling he would know what she meant. She was worried about what he had done to his body, and maybe to his soul, in order to make her abilities come forth. She wanted him to level with her, to share what he was going through with her. But their relationship, short-lived as it was, had not started in truth. It had started in need.<br/><br/>"And if my mom banged a good, or if just one of my very distant ancestors did, I guess it doesn't really matter. I get what I get." She shrugged her shoulders, portraying a casual effect that she did not truly possess. How could she not be worried about all of this? In an instant, or rather several instances that day, her entire world had shifted and changed. One thing echoed in her mind, despite her concerns, whatever her lineage, it made her powerful. Very powerful. The power was not infinite by any means, but it made her more formidable than she had ever believed herself to be.<br/><br/>"How long as it been, that you've been like this?" She finally asked, though the question came out more breath than actual tone, because Lane was not sure she was brave enough to speak it. She knew she was tugging on threads that might undo them, but James had already spoken their future aloud. They were going to fall in love. Maybe that had already started. Tugging on those threads would just complicate things, but she did not think it would drive her away from him.