Despite now breathing more quickly and baring her teeth in anger, Harriet did not so much as take a step, let alone speak, until Meesei had finished and left the room. Meesei's lengthy final word only seemed to exacerbate her further.

The bodyguards sounded agreement with Meesei. They all knew the plan, but they gave sideways glances to Harriet. It could be read on their faces that they were more afraid of her than any intruder. Especially after her furious display.

Sabine was found still working away at setting up the test for the precious drop of poison that had been found in the vial with Carana. She had dark rings around her eyes that she had not displayed since the ritual with the Hist. The stress was even making her posture temporarily regress back to how it used to be. She greeted Meesei with eye contact, not words.