Raine listened to Eda quietly, and their surprise grew the more she spoke. She spoke about the possibilities of Tammy just being a normal person in unfortunate circumstances and Raine understood Eda's angle. But, they were surprised at the edge to her tone, the way she tensed up as she spoke about how she'd rather be looking for a person than a monster, and it clicked for Raine.

It wasn't just about proving the ADI wrong or not going into the situation assuming the worst. Maybe those things were part of it, but they gathered it was more personal for Eda. Raine understood Eda knew what it was like to be misunderstood, seen as a monster when she was just a witch for her curse, and their stomach sunk a little. Concern overrode surprise on Raine's face.

"Hey," Raine really didn't want to stop for a second time, but they wanted to make sure Eda was listening to them. They stood in front of Eda, and held both of her hands in theirs as they spoke in a gentler tone.

"I didn't realise how strongly you felt about this. I should've guessed, but I was so busy worrying. I'm. Sorry. I just want to make sure we're being safe... there's a lot of people who'd miss us- would miss you- being gone."

Raine smiled at Eda through their worn concern, and rubbed the backs of her hands with their thumbs.

"But, if you think that Tammy is different, or misunderstood, I'm with you every step of the way until we find out otherwise. I don't believe everything the ADI says anyways. Plus, if you're right, you get to tell them they're wrong."

Raine averted their gaze down at their hands, and brought one up to their face, and pressed their cheek against her knuckle.

"Just stay close to me. Okay?"