An amused and slightly savage grin lit Asher's face in response to the venom in Verissa's voice. He very much doubted that she would survive a true fight with one of his skilled warriors, or nearly any of the vicious and terrible beasts that inhabited the vast plains, but he appreciated her fervor. She would need to keep that feeling hot for a long time if she wanted to survive, moreso if she wanted to earn her freedom. 

He lifted his hand and settled it on her bone-knuckled fist, his strong, warm fingers attempting to pry her hand open so that he could thread his fingers through her.

"So be it. As far as I'm concerned he has summoned his own jackals. I'll help you in any way that I can."

Resting the reigns across his lap as the wagon trundled on, Asher turned to face her better. "You're quick-witted, and you're already handling the staff better than I expected. One day, maybe in a year or so, you'll come back from the Hunt and be free to do what you please. You can use your magic to help you."

He wanted to say that he would miss her when she inevitably walked away from the Clan that had abducted her from her home and her life and treated her as a slave. It was a common enough occurrence. But that would be too close to admitting that he was becoming incredibly attached. He smiled sadly.