She nodded, her lavender eyes flashing with sympathy. Not pity, of course. Because no one wanted that. But she saw an important distinction between the two.

And definitely felt the difference, when it was directed at her.

"I'd say 'nice to meet you,'" she said, "but that feels kinda vulgar under the circumstances." All the same, she offered him her hand. "Name's Diana. Diana Abel. A-B-E-L. As in, 'Caine and dot, dot, dot...'"

Diana always introduced herself that way. And didn't like it. She was pretty sure that she'd been conditioned to do it. It was a brand on her soul she couldn't escape. Just like Grandmother herself.

She shook her head, mostly at herself, dismissing the introduction. "What should I call you?"