Though she takes the cigarette back, Vanessa only takes one lingering pull before letting it hang uselessly between her fingers, her gaze often slipping between looking somewhere far-off and then peering Red and her disposition over. Idly, she wonders how much alcohol such a small form can handle.

Whatever comes next, Vanessa will need to take care with how she defends herself and others in the future. It's a comfort to know that Red has found a way to anchor her monster, but that resistance hasn't yet been tested against the monster within Vanessa, and should the Verbis Diablo truly consume souls, then hers ought to be the only one lost to it, if it hasn't been already.

Again there's a bittersweet mingling of resentment and gratitude when she considers how the Doctor put her to sleep. Grateful for Red's sake...and the Doctor's. The both of them might still have the chance to learn what it means to live for their own sakes.

"At least we need not wonder at who our friends are." It's no small thing, especially in Vanessa's dark corner of the world. "I hope you know that you may always rely on me to look upon you with affection and trust. To a degree not easily found in the life I've led."