The familiarity of it, the Russianness of it, settled her in a way more effusive sympathy wouldn't have. He meant every word with all of himself, but he didn't try to make her feelings his. It was at moments like this, he reminded her most of Illyana.

"Every so often people go missing. Sam and his brother investigated the first time and couldn't find any evidence of anything happening to them. They just disappear." Even for the steadiness of having him beside her, Kitty felt as she said it, like she might vomit.