Anton was about to answer when Erskine stopped and pulled away suddenly. Something had flitted over his face in that second just beforehand--almost too quick to see, except that something had shattered. Anton stood for a moment out of surprise, but then followed, his long legs catching easily up with Erskine.

He didn't say anything, though. Steered Erskine into his room, but didn't say anything until they were in and the door was closed, and then he asked gently: "What happened?"