At first, Elena takes the words as an answer to her question, but it doesn't sit right in her mind. There's more to it, a deeper meaning that seems at once so simple. It matches the oddness she's feeling from her broodmate, a simplicity and complexity all jumbled and tied together in a way she can't yet explain.

But at least the other woman isn't throwing that blade at her yet.

"What happened?" she asks softly, leaning in just slightly, tilting her head just an inch to the side while examining the woman. "Why are you like this?"