The answer is so obvious that it cuts like a well-sharpened knife, and Elizabeth holds her breath, wanting to rail at him, wanting the only reply she can give not to be true, and wonders if this spells the end.

(Pirate)

"You can't," she manages, voice quiet and honest and just short of breaking.

Unable to bear whatever he might say in response, and, if she's honest with herself, not wanting to deal with what this might mean, she breaks away from him and scurries up the stairs.