The statement gets a rueful chuckle and shake of Anders' head.

"That takes a power and position that not everyone has. Some cannot help but be changed by what goes on around them, or is done to them. Survival has costs."

But maybe, then, survival in Iskandar's world is not as difficult as it is here. Or perhaps Iskandar's people are simply good at it. The man's huge.

As the dance comes to a close, Anders tilts his head to indicate stepping off to the side. Iskandar wants to be a friend, so it's time to get a grasp of who the man is.