Palamedes is taking off his glasses and pinching the bridge of his nose as she steps away. “No, no—goodness, don’t apologize. This—“ he gestures at the room, “is of my making, so it is reasonable to conclude that you are here because of my interference. When one plays fast and loose with reality, one most expect the unexpected.”

He returns his glasses to his face and looks at her gently. “Please, take a moment to collect yourself. It’s the least I can do, and it may, in fact, help you return from whence you came. There isn’t a traditional sort of exit, you see.”