Alex looked at her sadly. "You know that if I could, Nyx, I would not hesitate to leave this broken world behind, but I cannot. The best I can do is help you here." He pickedlifted her onto his lap, stroking her hair softly. "Keep in mind we humans are mistrustful by nature. All of the students here are good people, changed by the tragedy of living here. I'm sure even Z was once kind. Nessie learned to deal with the world by keeping it and everybody else at arms length, it's not your fault you don't know. You innocently believe that people will accept you immediately, and there is nothing wrong with innocence." Alex held her close and spoke into her ear. "Can you give her another chance? Not only for me, but for both of you? I think she is ready to accept you now."