Sometimes coddling is nice, but it's not always what one receives, as Benedict has learned in excess; and Strange wanting to know the truth isn't a knock against him. He has a right to it, as everyone in Riftwatch does.

"After," Benedict admits, a bit furtively, "and it was... really just. Me. Atticus ingratiated himself quickly."

His lips purse into a flat line as he recalls one of the more uncomfortable times in his life.

"I resisted."