"I simply do not wish to see you crucified," Ilithyia answers, her words clipped, though only because what Sawyer says rings true. She is worried and it unsettles her. Should it come down to it, she would not risk her own life for his, as she had not for Thessela, but she would feel truly as terrible as she had upon watching her body slave nailed to the wood. Thessela had been trusted confidante for many years, closer to Ilithyia than anyone, and the idea that there are those from Darrow who have found their way into her life in such a manner is unsettling.

"I think we can avoid such end, though, if we are to be careful with words and actions," she continues. "A gift. From an admirer. It will cloud my husband's judgement, make it more difficult for him to see that there may be something wrong."