The mention garners a quick look, and a rush of something like guilt, but Athessa nods and pretends that adjusting her shirt requires her attention.

“Do what you want with it,” she says, meaning the earring, but hoping he has some suggestions about what to do with freedom, too. She swallows thickly, giving up on her useless fussing to look at Colin. “I don’t feel odd about it. I’m scared.”