He said it felt familiar. And that last time he had been alone. Kire's brow furrowed. How did he know how this felt? [I]Did they have this poison in his world? Who poisoned him?[/i] But for now, she focused on him, his grip on her hand, his request. She nodded, and when he tried to pull her close she moved toward him. 

As carefully as she could, she drew him close, one arm wrapped around him. "I won't leave," she assured him. "I'll keep you safe."