“I took another step. He stilled. [...] I reached up and and cupped his cheek with my hand. THis time the flash of confusion on his face was impossible to miss. He held himself frozen, his only movement the steady rise and fall of his chest. Then, as if in concession, he let his eyes close.

"It's true," I said softly. "You are stronger, wiser, infinite in experience." I leaned forward and whispered "But I am an apt pupil.”