[ It's not the sort of thing that she's used to having, even during her time on the Tranquility. Confidantes are rare and sacred things — dangerous as well, for the trust between friends must be explicit and complete in order for the very worst and the most damaging of secrets to be held in confidence forever. Maybe she's upset, maybe's lost, but this confession isn't something she would normally do. It makes her look weak and feeble, but there's nothing Alayne wants more than to feel protected in this moment as her mind scrambles in a dozen different directions to find ways to protect the people she cares about as they quickly spiral out of her grasp.

He puts his arm around her and she lets him, shrinking slightly against his side, feeling very young and very foolish (and, in so many ways helpless despite all of her efforts). ]

I don't want you to get hurt for my sake, Scott, please. Everyone's getting hurt and losing themselves. [ She shakes her head. ] And I don't know how to stop it.