[ A lie, he knows, but a predictable one. If there was a single human emotion he was particularly tuned to sniff out, it was fear. He doesn't catch even a hint of it now, but he won't call her out for it. He can understand feeling the need to hide that lack, after all. ]

I admit, I did not quite expect it either. It would do well of our hosts to at least be more honest about the process, I would say. Unless they enjoy watching the struggle, I suppose...

[ Which, perhaps. Lingering here was hardly benevolent on his part. ]

As for what is next, only in generalities, I am afraid... Well, if what I heard is to be believed, at least, but I have no particular reason to question it.

[ One finger is securely wrapped and tied up, so he moves onto the other with the same sort of deft care. ]

Before you, ah, hatched, I suppose it would be... Did you also have a dream of a choice?