Their first meeting goes something like this: it's a Thursday afternoon, and Niall has no plans and an affection for all things eccentric.  She's dangling off the edge of an eight story parking deck and holding a bouquet of ugly weeds in one hand. They talk about air bending. She takes him by surprise, all things considered.

"I'm -- I'm in love with you, Adalia." "What?" Adalia laughed loudly, shaking her head. "That's complete nonsense," she said, staring at him with tired and disbelieving eyes. "You're not in love with me. Love -- love isn't real. Love isn't genuine. Love -- there's no such thing. It's just an illusion, Jaycen. It's just a p h a n t a s m."