Ask about Alex

Thinking about what she said, Ethan asks about Alex.

“Alex Evers?” Layla raises a brow. “Are you close?”

“We’re,” Ethan tries to conjure the right thing to say, “We’re friends.”

“I see,” Layla gives Ethan a pensive look. “She’s not like me, but… She’s close.”

“Close?” Ethan can think of at least two major differences between them.

“She was… assigned male at birth, which considering her situation tends to happen. As she got a little older however it became clear she was…” Layla winces. “Incomplete.”

“Incomplete how?” Ethan feels even more lost.

“She’s supposed to be like me, but whatever it is that makes women like me, well, like me was not quite right with her.” Layla sighs. “Horrible as it sounds. She’s not the only one in town. Maybe they’re rare, but it does tend to happen when there isn't a… fresh infusion.” She must have noticed Ethan raising his brow, because she quickly clarifies. “The gene dies a tragic death if it is not renewed by women like me to keep it strong. As it dies, women like her are born, until eventually it fades.

Ethan thinks about that, adding to his view of Alex.