A joint in Rhazii's fingers clicked as he balled a fist tightly enough to crush an apple. A sharp eye could tell that he was breathing very deliberately, another measure to hold himself back. But he could not speak without a small, upset break in his voice.

"When have I ever been good enough for this pack?!" He said. "It all makes sense, that's not the problem. The problem is I made a mess of your feast. I get it. But maybe..." He closed his lips and quickly shook his head. "Maybe I can't earn my place like the rest of you. Maybe I should just leave! I won't ruin anything else that way."

Rhazii blinked rapidly. He was sprung to stand and exit, though he dared not try to get up with Meesei between him and the door.