She almost felt like she was holding him hostage in a way - Nicodemus, that was. Not really hostage, maybe more like a prisoner. Even as he held onto the back of her mind, reassured her that maybe....just maybe he could have existed without her. He didn't need her to live, to walk, to use his hands. She'd taken that from him. There was a brief pang of guilt.

Cassandra. You did not take anything from me. I gave it to you. I have given myself to you. Nicodemus said, his presence brushing over Cass's mind familiarly.

Yet she hesitated, looking to the cloaked figure with a small smile. "It was nice while it lasted, but the happy isn't the same as my now happy. I escaped to this life - it was the life I chose and it makes me happier. Having all my experiences makes me happier." she nodded. "I cannot stay here because I am someone's happy memories and I need to go back to him. I am someone's present, and I cannot abandon him either." Marcus. Nicodemus.

They both needed her to be awake. To bear her responsibility.

"But thank you.....for the moment." It was strange to actually be polite to the being, but she had to ponder what the alternative would have been if she faltered, moving to leave after Otto.