The red flush on Sabine's face had begun to fade by the time she was addressed. She cleared her throat and held a hand against the side of her neck awkwardly. "I understand," she said. "It was just a surprise."

In spite of the repeated praise, Sabine was keen to move on.

"Well, I still would not be here without you," she responded. "You already know how grateful I am."

[hr]
Fendros squeezed Ahnasha's hand. "This is all sounding like you are at your most powerful now." He raised his brow. "But you know I am afraid as well. But more than that, I'm confident in us. Unless there is something else, that might be easier to focus on."