[Definitely a figure of speech. She's agreed to not judge Ari based on the humans of her world. A true deal is messier.]

You are correct. I did not have the morals that drive you. I was not aware of emotions, pain or loss. I had a soul, it was just taken from me at some point, but wasn't destroyed.

[She shrugs.]

Spirituality has nothing to do with it.

[Valdis is suddenly very sober sounding, not that she had actually been drunk. She lifts a hand, hesitates, and tips her head to the side.]

You don't have to believe in souls. You don't even have to believe I'm a monster. But...may I show you something?