The Sentinels Bravery only means something to those afraid of death.

She found no malevolence in the open stare that looked back. In a way, that absence of the beguiling spark she had come to recognize in her own mother’s gaze was soothing. It was not here; it seemed to Raleska that Dacio’s words were leveled with defeated acceptance.

She believed him — when maybe she shouldn’t. Her own head lowered in turn, her rounded shoulders loosened. Okay. She breathed into the hushed darkness, her brow furrowing as she parroted back a question he had asked of her earlier. Why are you out here?