"That was where you wanted to be-- And I'm certain that Hakkyuu considered refusing you," she bit back, not looking at him for several moments. "Hakkyuu is as disgusted with slavery as I am. But he wouldn't have sent you away. Who knew where you'd end up, if not with him?"

But it had been the same with Murphy. Neria was afraid of where she'd end up.

A breath escaped her, harsh, painful. Her grip tightened in her hair. "I know it isn't about me," she ground out, remembering what he'd told her in the wake of Daud's death. Do not make this about you. She closed her eyes tightly. "I know." But it did not make the pain less.

"She has to succeed," she whispered. "That's all this is."