Lestat gives Ruby a gentle look, angling himself to face her as well as the bodies. He takes in her expression, the set of how she holds herself, and the calm that underlies her words. The exuberant young woman who taught him how to ride the snow on a single board has unexpected complexities, it seems.

"It may be," he agrees, his tone quiet but not coddling, "But the dead are past the reach of our concern. It's the living who still lie within it. And I must admit, I'm relieved to see you remain counted among the latter."