So good to see another chapter of this. Poor Xander. Eva pulled a twist on him without even knowing she was doing it. For what Xander wants to have happen to work Eva has to have a real, viable choice. He could take the victory and run, but at the cost of the whole of what he's trying to accomplish. Him staring at that hyena mask was a lovely image, contemplating his own darkness.

On one hand, she can't trust him because he is unaware of all the parts of himself that would influence what he could and couldn't do for her. Although it might wind him into some interesting knots. :) On the other hand, he's absolutely sincere. Lovely conundrum.