[ Well, that's...troubling. It doesn't bode well for thinking on an expedient exit. He can't imagine having to attend several of these parties, wondering what faces from his past are going to appear and point accusingly in his direction.

Only slightly paler, he clears his throat and shifts his weight. ]

Does that mean nobody's succeeded in escaping? Has anyone managed to fight against those in charge? It's hard to imagine everyone just...going along with this.