She knows him well enough to sense the desperation in his tone. It makes her stomach twist with guilt. The whole point of sending a text to her friends is that they wouldn't worry if she was absent from the Nexus for longer than usual. She's only done the opposite to Reynard.

I can't.

She bites her lip, paces in a tiny circle. She can't leave. It won't be just a minute, she knows that. He knows that. And bringing him here is a risk she's not willing to take.

I can't, Reynard. I can't. Please understand. I'll be okay.