He paused. Turned. And facing Desmond, he lifted his brows and, slightly, his shoulders. "I am not insulted. My presence brings you discomfort. My curiosity is not so important as to make someone else suffer for it."

Truth told, he had had enough of other people suffering for him. It had happened over and over and over again, from Kadar to Darim. No more, if it could be avoided.

"So I will leave you be, especially as you are now safe."