Oswall gave a determined frown and a nod. "Then I do not believe we shall be lacking in numbers. What an excellent opportunity to show Vile the consequences of bringing more beast spirits into this world!"

Unfortunately, Oswall's enthusiasm lasted only as long as it took Meesei to address Vera's worry. Meesei took her time wording a response, and Vera took her time to respond. She had heard Meesei's account of their forging an alliance with Molag Bal. By her averted, fearful eyes, she was evidently trying to find some other way to exclude Molag Bal.

She breathed out, giving up. "I hope you are correct, Meesei. Molag Bal may be an ally, but his domain is cruelty."

"If Molag Bal should make unreasonable demands, Meesei, just remember why we are fighting." Darahil peered up from his head angled forward. "Do not let him corrupt that. No matter what other cost we must wear."

It was not often that Darahil spoke to anything more than cold pragmatism. If he was speaking from such sincere concern, then Meesei could be certain that everyone else was invested in her proposals, despite their worries. The hope of a conclusion had grown quickly.