"You have to do whatever you feel is best for you," Topher said softly. He could feel Ilya's swirling emotions. Topher was practically eating them up.

"And I mean that. These are your powers and your life. You have to be comfortable with whatever step you take, Ilya. I can offer advice, and so can Dolemeck, but at the end of the day, it's up to you. We can just support you as best we can to help you along your way."

Gently, he placed a hand on Ilya's shoulder. "I'm sorry. I don't mean to confuse you or frustrate you. But you've barely been here a half hour. You can take it slow. No decisions on anything need to be made right away."