Even though his focus is on the bottle, Darlington doesn't miss the familiar way Jade perks up when the conversation shifts. It's the same kind of interest that comes off of him and Pal in nearly-visible waves whenever the two of them start talking about their respective abilities, about the rules that define magic use in each of their worlds. They are interested because it's important, because it's fascinating and may yet hold the key to finding a way out of here--but it's important because it's interesting, too. What a relief to realize he's found someone else who feels the same way.

"No need to apologize," he assures him. "I did succeed, though not without some missteps along the way. Just like learning anything else, really." No other part of his education had resulted in him passed out in the drive and bleeding from the eyes, to be fair, but the principle still held. Jade asks more probing questions about the Bullet, about the Veil and the spirits that cross through, and Darlington's appreciation for the other man only grows.

"It's important for the work I did," he says. "Greys--what most people call ghosts--are drawn to many things in the living world, but most especially to the use of magic. Their interference can cause anything from a temporary electrical blackout to an exceptionally violent death for the person or persons attempting the ritual that drew them in the first place. And while Greys can be spoken to, even if they lack the ability to speak back, it's best avoided. The more connections you forge with a spirit, the harder it is to send them back through the Veil."