Chapter 167

• She gasps, in first surprise, and then eyes me up, mistrust all over her face as she thinks something through, and I can almost taste the apprehension coming from her in waves. That sharp look in her eye as her thoughts align.
• “You think it will ease my sense of guilt!” She homes in on that immediately, stating it bluntly with a chill in her tone, and I have to pull myself rigid to not react to how well she saw through that ploy. It’s not all about easing her guilt, though. It’s also about her being useful. Meadow wouldn’t have suggested her if she thought she would be a dead weight we drag along, and right now, we need all the help we can get. I’m terrified about what we may face and won’t turn down someone with a gift like hers.
• “You have gifts. Meadow vouched for your worthiness as a fighter, and as we are going without guards, I think three is better than two.” I completely dodge her statement, not willing to confirm that yes, I’m worried her sense of responsibility will have a long-term effect on her, and I don’t want to burden Sierra with her in our absence. She will have enough to deal with while we are gone and not have to babysit Carmen for fear of another wolf legging it out into the forest to end things.