Yeah, I know all about stupid people because sometimes it feels like I've met all of them. But just because your mother way one way doesn't mean you're going to turn out anything like her. The fact that you're self-aware about it means you stand a good chance of resisting, being your own person.

[Her tone softens.]

You've been through some serious shit, that's for sure. I can't truly understand what it's like to have a phylactery, but the abuse of it sounds...terrifying. Makes my skin crawl, just thinking about it.

But there are other ways to find you. We have a scouting division, sending crystals...and I'm sure we can come up with more means than don't involve putting a huge target on your back.