Lunise's preening of Meesei's feathers stopped. She stared at the ceiling, still and blank for a considering while. Meesei could hear her heart beat slightly faster, as much because she was holding her breath as any anxiety she had building.

Finally, Lunise propped herself up slowly by the elbows and turned her body to look down on Meesei directly. She placed a hand on Meesei's cheek to guarantee her undivided attention. "Meesei," she said quietly, yet firmly. "I'm coming with you. Neither Marod nor the Dominion will know I am coming with you, because we will not tell them. I am coming with you because I want to be there if something goes awry. Are we clear?"

Lunise had a hint of pain in her eyes. The rest of her face was as stern as a sergeant.

[hr]
Sabine could not claim to be discouraged by Do'rhajul's plans, though she still held some concern on her face. "All the clan leaders know your scent. A scent is like a face to us lycans." She managed to smile. "But, you are right. I can take you somewhere to hide. I should have trusted that you would have a strategy. I will do all I can to help you after the war. We...may have to act swiftly after the invasion."

The signs of Sabine's weeping were fading away. She looked to the fire with a pause. Another question came to mind.

"Rhajul," she said cautiously. "I wonder sometimes. It has not been very long since we made peace. Do you still hold any resentment for lycans?"