The way Meesei fought back was at first surprising. Fear gripped everyone by the necks. But it soon turned into a unifying rally in their minds. Perhaps it was pack instinct, maybe it was knowing when to stand after many harrowing experiences in the past. Either way, it felt like a battle already, even if it was a verbal one between a mortal and a god. Janius, Sabine, and even Lunise stood fast beside Meesei, retaining their wariness all the same.

Still, Molag Bal would not be browbeaten. The demand for sacrifice could not be refused. Whether spilt by Meesei or Hal-Neesa, Bal would have his blood.

Everyone in the pack reluctantly obeyed Meesei's order to stay back, except for Lunise and Sabine. Sabine held out the Staff of Magnus to Meesei and whispered. "It's the only way."

With her other hand, Sabine held Lunise back by her midsection. Their eyes met and Sabine worriedly shook her head. Lunise slowly stood back, but not without keeping her eyes hawklike on Hal-Neesa. Sabine could feel magicka priming to move in Lunise's body. It would be hard to keep her from protecting Meesei should the impending duel go wrong.