He was aware of Hux moving next to him, glancing to the side only briefly to confirm that he was following his lead. The knife didn't escape his notice, but he kept his focus on the Regency agents. His senses would be fogged to any attempts of attack from Hux -- and the agents, which left him tense and ready to lash out. Counting his breaths, Kylo forced himself calm.

They hadn't been shot or killed yet, so he counted it as progress. When they were summoned closer, Kylo swallowed, inhaling through his nose and then exhaling through his mouth.

Regardless of how Hux reacted, Kylo took one step forward, then two. It was like walking into water, deeper and deeper as his body adjusted to the pressure; his chest constricted, his hearing became cottony and his vision swam. He didn't dare get too close, and stopped about a yard or two away, standing straight and tall. His breathing was labored, and he was clearly under strain, but he imagined they'd forgive him this show of weakness. That he hadn't succumbed entirely to whatever it was they'd deployed in this fog should be a show of strength, instead.