[The squeeze was all of the verification that he required as to what had actually drove her to the caves to escape her inner demons. He shifted a hand from her back to place it lightly on the top of her head, offering a light pat of comfort.]

Jinx, you are who you are, and there is nothing wrong with that. Besides, if you honestly believe that you caused a friend to disappear just by interacting with them, this place would be already devoid of people.

[He stroked his hand down the back of her head and lightly tugged on her braids.]

More likely, the Council is responsible, though their methods of bringing or sending people away we don't yet understand. They are our enemy, and we must find a way of dealing with them.