[He didn't move his hand when she flinched-- but when she seemed to look up, an at least sort of collect herself, he moved his hand away from her arm and took a step back, folding his hands behind his back with a nod.]

Unfortunately, this is the most sensible conclusion... It is easy to think this state is but another trick, but this is merely what we get when we peel away the other layers. When the power fails, and when we see the truth.

Though our perception may be altered-- nothing has truly changed, has it?