Ariel continued with her look of regret. "Like I said, it wasn't my secret to reveal. It was Sabine's. And her pack's." Ariel traded a look with Sabine, who gave a small nod.

"I trust you, dear, I do," Ariel looked up to Rukeewei again. "But I couldn't have told you in good conscience without betraying the trust Sabine put in me." Ariel's words began speeding up again. "In honesty, I don't know if I ever could have told you without her permission. Perhaps if lycans did not have such a reputation? I was uncertain enough about what your reaction would be. I suppose after all this I was just..." Ariel paused, took a breath, and slowed down. "I was afraid of how it might change your opinion of my friends and me."