Vesa checked the mark at his wrist. It brightened, held, then returned to its earlier glow when he stopped pressing it.
She waited until Alucard's presence steadied again.
"Are you still there?" he asked.
"Yes."
"I cannot return every missing piece to you through this contact."
"I haven't asked you to."
"What do you want me to say?"
"Whether one of your restrictions will stop me warning them about the call."
"No. Not about the step I have asked you to take."
"Which step?"
Alucard sighed faintly.
"You used to let me finish."
"You used to leave me enough to know what you meant."
She regretted the sharpness as soon as she heard it. He did not answer, and she nearly took the words back. Then she thought of assuring Mingyue while still being unable to name the danger.
"I'm asking about the first call," she said more quietly. "I need that answer now."
Alucard's voice returned after a pause.
