[PQ] ghosts in the machine

As Oia’i’o’s words washed over him, Loren stilled. Finally, he lifted his head from Astra’s fur, the only sign of his tears perhaps a lingering redness in his eyes. ”I relayed to you exactly what she told me.” The summoner’s tone was politely chilly once more. The luxere let out an anxious bleat, so he gave her a comforting rub before standing up. The Launceleyn's face was expressionless as the rest of the instructions were read off. Despite Astra's distress over his once again subdued mood, he nudged her into position with both his hands and his mind. When the daughter of Rae said freeze, his companion tried to break free, but he kept a hand on her, trying to radiate a comfort he didn't feel. For her part, she let out another anxious bleat. I don't like this anymore. I want to move. Why won't you let me move? His eyes tightened. It's temporary. And it's helping Kai and Oia. You like Kai and Oia. She settled down, but he could still feel her unhappiness. LOREN Not quite an open book