[She glances down at the hand on her arm and thinks of Matthew. Neither the Natchios nor Stick were sentimental people. He always touched her, held her like she was precious. Whatever he saw is long gone. She wonders what Page would think of her now. What a strange turn of events. She made such a show of dismissing her. Now she wonders if this person may be the only one who can validate her pathetic life ruled by stupid and cruel men.]

Do you still believe that even when you have to do terrible things to survive? To keep the monsters at bay a little longer? [She scoffs at herself. How stupid she's been. She's spent her life ready to throw it away for a thankless role in an endless war.] That's my real job, you know. I hold them back as long as any of us can and keep them from getting any stronger than they already are. Not one of my better decisions.