Edward stood in the infirmary, in wake of River's departure and near obliteration from focus, seeing only the surfeit of (his) Carlisle's choice reflected in this room.

He left the room without even grasping that he needed to, becoming a whisper of instinctive movement. But only getting two steps out the door before Mel's words to the Bar reached him. He appeared to the side of her, a few steps back.

"You shouldn't do that." His voice is tempered, almost impeccably smooth and even, which worked until one looked to his eyes.