Felix doesn't really have words for the way his heart jumps when Jim tells him to wait. But that one feeble word is enough to render the conjurer stock-still, eyes a little wider as they seek Jim's. He still hasn't lowered his hood, but the magelight he summoned overhead illuminates his magic-bleached hair.

"Tarsus..." The name sticks in his throat. When they said 'nightmare realm', he hadn't really thought about what it meant. Hadn't dared to. Well, now he can see. Now he begins to understand.

I'm sorry, he wants to say. I tried to get you back. I should never have left your side. Those words catch, too. This is no time for excuses. But the nagging thoughts are back - Jim was sucked straight into one of his worst nightmares already tonight. What is Felix being here, in th- in his quarters, going to do to him?

This was a worse idea than even he thought.

"I understand," he says quietly, squeezing Jim's arm in turn. "You're out now. You escaped. You're safe here. I promise." And whatever it takes to make Jim feel safer, he'll do it.