Contrary to popular opinion, Natalia only enjoys torturing evil men, and as James certainly doesn't fit the description, she shifts, tipping him a small but genuine smile. "I suppose I have."

Turning back to the boy, she notes that he's still lingering in the door and silently chides herself. This is his home, after all, and if her instincts are correct, he truly needs it. "I apologize for my sudden intrusion," she says. "Given the choice, I would have made my entrance in an entirely different manner."