[se] could be ghosts or monsters or a robot-vampire

Nikolai

We are only haunted by the things we refuse to accept
-Bridgett Devoue

Wessex's offer receives a shy but warm smile from the young Ascended. "Thank you. We'll let you know if anything comes up." Knowing that someone else is watching out for his mom, watching out for him, is a new feeling. Nikolai welcomes it fully.

The General's words however have the new Ascended gaping, an impressive flush coming to his skin. "A..ah... thank you." Nikolai scrambles to answer, struggling to comprehend just what Wessex is saying. She sees his Ascension as a win? Him? Incredibly flattered, it takes him a minute before he's capable of speaking again. Capable of even wondering if he has questions.

When Nikolai's brain catches up, he finally give a small nod. "Just one right now. I know it takes a while to build up a resistance to sunlight. But when we do, do we even feel the sun? Warmth is so dulled now, I was curious." Most of the young Ascended's questions had been answered by  books already.

Resilience is born even when we feel like we are dying
-Alex Elle