[ Cassian's relationship and feelings towards Luthen is a complicated tangle of a thing. Still, having him here would have at least been a balm in some way. A tether to his galaxy that was lightyears away. And because of that and being so freshly pulled here has him feeling more sentimental than he intends to about a man he barely knows.

But for Claire to have been brought here when she had been surrounded by her family, tugs unexpectedly at his heart. It catches him off guard. But it's what Clare says after that that has him letting out a breath like it had been expelled from his lungs. Like the small seed of hope that he'd had about having one more day with his mother had been crushed underfoot.

The teapot is set back down on the table with a soft thud. ]

I'm glad that someone familiar eventually showed up.

[ His own teacup provides comforting warmth through his palms against the foolish thought he'd had for a moment. The tone of his voice remains even. Quiet. ]

I can imagine that hearing that is a relief for some people.