[ Is it a mark of how tired he is that he doesn't conceal his flinch? Or does it just strike home that deeply? Regardless, he pulls himself up with visible effort and stares her down, eyes burning. ]

And what made you think I would sit idly and watch all of you disappear, one by one, back to your worlds? [ he asks sharply. ] Elidibus yet lives and somehow so do I, even if only here in this crude place. You are all by far the greatest threat to our plans. The people of the world rally around your standard. Of course I am going to keep you here with me if I can. I never promised any of you that I would help you return home.

[ He had, in fact, explicitly said as much to one of them. ]