"You told me Kumoe was safe." Martin drew back enough to search Alexandra's face. "You said nothing about yourself."
"An unfortunate oversight. I assumed my flawless posture would reassure you."
"Your knee almost folded."
"The road is slippery."
"You took one step."
Alexandra's lips curved faintly. "A treacherous road, then."
Martin did not smile. His gaze moved over the tear in her armor before he checked her shoulders, arms, and sides.
"Tell me what he did to you."
"Nothing worth remembering."
"Alex."
"My pride suffered a severe and possibly permanent injury."
"Not now."
Her mouth closed.
Most of the damage appeared superficial, and the middle head's restoration had already sealed whatever wounds remained within reach. Martin kept checking anyway until Alexandra caught one of his hands.
"I'm all right," she said, quieter this time.
