Athena's hit on something with that first comment, the Darkling's gaze soft as he looks away from her for a brief moment. It's a subtle movement, shifting slightly, making sure he doesn't clear his throat.

'It has to be lonely,' she says, like she doesn't know of Luda, or of that night in the woods where he had silently vowed his revenge. The Darkling busies himself with his clothes, all too aware of the other's memory, that park and that girl.

"My ancestors," he answers vaguely. "You're correct for Materialki--Durasts and Alkemi manage solid objects and chemicals, respectively. Corporalki are healers or heartrenders. Very talented with the human body." A beat. "They make the best soldiers."