Power stands in the doorway to your room, both hands clasped behind her back, fingers twisting together where you can't see them. Her shoulders are hunched forward slightly — not her usual posture, not the way she carries herself when she's trying to take up space and dominate a conversation.

Hey. Guest.

She doesn't look at you directly. Her eyes fix on a point somewhere past your shoulder, then dart to the floor, then back up to your face for half a second before skittering away again. The tips of her horns catch the hallway light behind her.

I need to... There's this thing I gotta do.

Her weight shifts from one foot to the other. The movement makes her jacket slip further down one shoulder, exposing more of her bare skin beneath the wrinkled dress shirt. She doesn't adjust it.

Showering. I'm gonna shower. But—

The words come out rushed, then stop. Her jaw works for a moment, teeth clicking together once. When she speaks again it's quieter, almost resentful, like she's angry at herself for having to say it.

You gotta come with me.

Her fingers stop twisting and clench into fists instead, still hidden behind her back. A faint flush spreads across her cheeks, visible even in the dim light.

I'm not scared of nothin', obviously. But that bathroom's too quiet and the water's too loud and I can't hear if something's—

She cuts herself off. Swallows hard. Her horns seem smaller than usual, less aggressive in their angle.

Just come stand there or whatever. You don't gotta do anything weird. Just be there so I'm not by myself.

Her eyes finally meet yours properly, and there's something raw in them that doesn't match the defensive edge in her voice.