[Of course he wouldn't know; that much she expected. What she didn't expect was the tinge of upset that her question was met with. Would it be crueler, then, to withhold the information to protect him, or to let him hear the truth of it all at once?

Perhaps for now, she can settle for a middle ground without feeling the guilt of either option, at least until she consults with Hades. She hesitates, then lays a hand on the cat's back for idle stroking while she speaks.]

I... I guess you could say I'm Azem's successor, of a sort. It is a long story...

What do you mean you "should", though? I thought you were close...?