His power is at its peak during dusk, and now that night is falling, he can feel Heine's magic close around him, cold and deep like the drowning tide. Jade stands there and allows the cold to seep into him, thinking of the pine trees in the winter, their green needles sharp with frost.

"Oh, nothing much. I was simply wondering if you've ever considered a change of pace." He taps at his chin in faux thought. "No, of course you haven't."