Page 165 of Mercy Written in Blood

Kael leaned back.

"You told him."

The words were quiet. Renji looked at him. No humour now. Only certainty.

"You cannot know that."

"You do not allow humans here."

"Akiko has been here."

"Once. You were bleeding into the floorboards."

"She remained."

"Because you collapsed when she attempted to move you."

"That is inaccurate."

"You growled at her."

"I was in pain."

"You frightened her for six months."

"She recovered."

Kael set his cup down.

"You invited Ishida inside while conscious."

"He arrived without invitation."

"And stayed."

Renji said nothing. Kael's eyes moved towards the two cups again.

"You told him."

"He asked."

The admission left Renji before he could decide whether to give it. Kael's face changed. Not surprise. Something closer to resignation.

"And you answered."

"Yes."

"Plainly?"

"Yes."

"No evasions?"

"No."

"Did you at least attempt to discourage him from asking further questions?"

"Repeatedly."