Annabelle blinks, because that definitely wasn't at all what she was expecting. She looks confused.

"...You're welcome, of course," she says carefully, leaning forward somewhat. "But I didn't protect him for you, necessarily. I of course understand he is very important to you, and I don't wish tragedy to befall either of you you—but I protected Susan because Susan is a little boy. Regardless of his power, children aren't infallible."

She pauses, picking at the cuticles of her thumbs.

"And I like him."

She glances back up at Lauren.

"...As well as you," she admits, feeling irritated to do so. "But it's different."