Sabine lowered her head and nodded. However, before the Cathay took Meesei away, Sabine gave Meesei's limp hand a squeeze. Sabien spoke softly as her eyes began to burn again, "I love you, Meesei. Do not die."

Fendros shifted uncomfortably, trying not to reveal his worries any further than he already had.

Sabine let go and looked up at the Cathay again with red eyes. She gave him a nod to proceed and let go of Meesei's hand.

Janius listened to both the healer and Kaleeth, but he waited and watched Meesei get taken away before he answered Kaleeth again. "That sounds like how Meesei described it to me," Janius remarked, "Look, it's just a tool. A powerful tool, granted, but nothing that will take you over. If you do not feel comfortable with it, any one of us could hang onto it if you like."

After a few moments, Sabine slowly stood up from her seated position up against Lorag, sniffed back tears, and turned to walk away.

"Sabine, hold on a moment," Fendros stood up and faced her.

Sabine looked back to see Fendros with his arms spread. Sabine curled her lips nervously, and then moved with reluctance to give Fendros a hug. 

Fendros returned the hug. "It'll be okay," he murmured. He was going to promise it so, but none of them truthfully could. Regardless, the hug lasted. It was eerily still, though not awkward. It was still like a dam that was close to bursting. "She'd be proud of you, Sabine."

Sabine burst into muffled tears against Fendros' shoulder.

Sensing the tension, Janius stood up as well, motioning for Kaleeth to do the same. Janius wrapped his arms around Fendros and Sabine as well, giving and receiving comfort that hardly had the opportunity to be exchanged since the battle began that day.

Sabine poured out all the pent up worry she had. Fendros remained stoic, but was clenching his teeth so hard that he was at his limits. Finally, Janius remained quiet, but couldn't help but shed a tear of worry for his friend and alpha. The others may or may not have wanted to join in various degrees, but none could deny that they all shared the same connection to Meesei in that moment. She had been their leader for years. Meesei had once again put herself in incredible danger for all of them, and now they were closer to losing her than ever before.