Just about everyone avoided Lorag's gaze, looking at each other or the ground instead. Janius twisted his mouth, Fendros had lowered his brow, and Sabine just held still with a blank frown.

"I'll be honest, Lorag," Janius began calmly. "I don't envy your responsibility as Meesei's second. The one that has to take up your mantle...It's not something to do on a whim. We're going to need time to think about this."

Fendros, still with his arms crossed curled his lips and quickly tilted his head to one side and up again. "No, if we're having this meeting, we may as well discuss it. Even if no one steps up, we'll have an easier time reflecting once we have talked about it. For instance, I think Sabine should do it."

Sabine's eyes darted up. Her mouth opened and her head turned towards Fendros in surprise. "Wh-...I do not understand." She caught a few words in her throat, sitting up straight. "I am not confident like Lorag is. I can make friends. I am not a nervous child anymore. But...I cannot..." She struggled to find the right word. "I am not knowledgeable about politics either. I am not qualified."

"Actually, I think you have a closer experience of what it takes to be in Meesei's position than any of us." Fendros gestured a hand forward. "You are closest to her. She tells you things that she hides from the rest of us. You know what her experiences are at this point."

Far from being encouraged, Sabine looked to the others. "Well, I think Ahnasha should do it. She has been in the pack the longest after Lorag."

It was a weak excuse. The pack assembled in the space of a few years, whereas they had been together for many more.

[hr]
Rhazii angled his head back slightly and his ears straightened up. The corners of his lips lifted as he thought about what Julan said. "Okay, let's be really quick then." He chuckled and put his book to one side. "You've thought about this further than usual, haven't you, Frog Face? Just let me get dressed again."

Without wasting a second, Rhazii threw off his blanket and pulled on a tunic and trousers. "Hurry up and write that note!" He whispered to Julan while fussing with the laces of his boots. Once he finished, he stood up to his full height and prepared to follow Julan out of the door. They couldn't afford to waste any time.