Sabine held onto Meesei's hand so tightly that it hurt for a time after their final separation. Collapsing to her knees in the cage, Sabine balled her fists and tried to breathe evenly. She could not. It was written all over her face.

The pack could only watch the scene below them, occasionally calling to shoot down flying enemies threatening their cage. Some parts of them wanted to tear the cage open and jump down to pluck their leader out of death's jaws. The rest knew it would be impossible.

Fendros wished he was strong enough to watch when the Daedra closed in on Meesei, but he could not. He closed his eyes, perceiving the great wave of light coming through his eyelids. He could not watch the mentor, saviour, family member, and friend that Meesei had become meet her demise. Not that anyone could see it in the brightness.

It did not hit them all quite so hard as seeing the field of ash left behind below them. It spread out like a hole in their hearts, gently misting the disturbed dust of what was.

Fendros' grip tightened on the Rueful Axe. Its name seemed appropriate now. "Pack," he ordered with a new confidence. "We must avenge them all."

Sabine and Janius both perked up unexpectedly at the tone. Through their sadness, their spirits knew Fendros to be their new alpha. Their new leader and protector. Some part of the overwhelming grief welling up inside them went still. Just enough to keep going.