[ It's such a loaded question, the Darkling thinks, and his gaze remains passive as the other all but seizes up, moving backwards, panic clear on her face, wariness a close second. Let her get it out. He looks bored, the barest hint of an eyeroll though his eyes don't move save to scan the horizon. ]

Your friends aren't here. [ And, his gaze sliding back to Alina, tone flat: ] Neither are my men. [ His hand moves back to his side. If Alina isn't going to take what's offered to her, she can get up herself. ] How fortuitous.

[ And convenient. Still, it's the two of them and only the two of them, and the Darkling feels a surge of anticipation moving through him, watching Alina carefully. ] There's a place to take shelter not far from here. You must be cold.