In contrast, she looked as he did before he left: like she hadn't slept in days. The most stark difference was the color of her eyes, an intense, bright blue that burned and made even her more somber expressions seem more severe. The eyes seemed possessed of their own will, and they were predatory, even in her face.

But Neria's expression was soft on Kell, fond, as it had been before Aallotar. There was a sadness hidden there despite the sharp gaze, something held back even as she smiled at him. Briefly, she leaned into the brush of his fingers like an animal starved of affection.

Her expression faltered at his question, grew thoughtful.

"I... I don't know. It was an accident. If I'd known I could have simply found my way here--" Well, she'd have done it weeks ago, if she was honest with herself . "It's..." Neria's voice pitched low. "It's my godhood, Kell. I sank into the dark, moved through the layers of the world...and found myself here."