['When I must' didn't mean she was a wanton murderer, like those he used to collect like fine personal weapons.]

There's no pleasure in killing. But it may prove necessary. ... Part of 'prepare for the worst'.

[And Knives' habitual paranoia and suspicion was only heightened by Hyt's; sooner or later the Twila-possessed would have to face purging. He shakes his head slightly, then sets to work practicing the more difficult part of light control: illusions. He's figured out how to make them visually believable, but there were more senses than just vision. The beast he conjures up moves realistically, but no sound, no smell.]

But it's ... nice, to have an excuse to practice new power. Even if it might not last.