Sabine closed her eyes in silent frustration. Being called merciful, powerful, enlightened, brave, and all else was grating on her. It was not just because she knew Yerig and Do'rhajul feared her, but also the entire reason they were here without support.

"Please, stop using those words," Sabine said, lifting an open hand from her cloak. She allowed her eyes to open with a worry in her brow. "I am not...I..." Her shoulders fell as she let out a breath. "It was my fault I was caught and..." She trailed off rather than repeat what followed. "I do not know what is going to happen when I return home. I do not know how my pack will react. I am ashamed that I was caught. I am ashamed that I could have ruined our plan. But they will not say anything like that. Not if I tell them what happened." Sabine's voice quivered as she continued. "But they might think I cannot fight or should not fight."

Sabine's reasoning was not based completely on reality, whether Yerig knew or could deduce such a contrary state. However, this time she was not consciously lying or omitting. Her hands were now clutching her staff tightly and her breathing had the same shiver as her voice.