Confusion turned to worry in each of the lieutenants' faces as soon as it was mentioned that Jerrick's life would be taken. Vera had her mouth open and her eyes wide, staring at Meesei in disbelief. Harriet was trying to be stoic. Oswall was similar, but looked as if his rage was building as he looked side to side. Darahil's eyes were widening and his lowered his crossed arms to his sides as Meesei spoke.

The mention that Jerrick was indeed dead was what set off the most stark reactions in everyone. The most notable behaviour came from Vera, who shook her head in small movements and was on the verge of tears. "No," she said quietly in denial, "He was just there...NO!" She ran for the door with a surprising burst of speed, even in a nightgown. Fendros chased after her and managed to grab her around the waist as she reached for the door. She struggled and struck out at Fendros scratching and flailing. Fendros managed to get her under control and pressed up against the door with a twisted arm. "Let me see him! He can't be dead!" She shouted.

Fendros looked over his shoulder to Meesei. He knew that new could not spread about Jerrick's passing, but he felt empathy for Vera. She was Jerrick's wife. To say he was dead and not confirm it would bring about the worst kind of perpetual worry, especially from someone like Meesei.

"Is this some kind of cruel trick!?" Oswall shouted back at Meesei, thoroughly cross, "If you were with him all night, Meesei-" Oswall jabbed a finger in Meesei's direction, "-what is to say that you didn't kill him?"

"Oswall, enough," Darahil said firmly and loudly. He had bowed his head, whether in thought or in sadness, it was hard to tell. He opened his eyes to Meesei, "Show me how you found the poison and I will trust your word."

This time it was Harriet's turn to speak. "What? You in an alliance with the champion to get the alpha spot, Darahil? This all seems a bit too convenient to me."

"You would dare!?" Darahil lashed out, his brow lowering, but his body not otherwise moving, "It seems to me that anyone here could have killed him to advance themselves! I myself have no desire to, but you, you have always looked upwards!"

Harriet and Oswall did not wait for Darahil to finish before they started shouting back until the mess of words made all their protests unintelligible. Vera started to sob against the door. "Just let me see him," she repeated meekly over and over again where Fendros held her restrained.