Noctisardor Bypass anything at all to keep me close to you

It was hard to hide her resentment when Mahler came into view. He had suffered, too, but only physically. What he had done for her and Indra was good, in the raid, but what he had not done for Laurel last year when she pleaded with him to attack Ursus was what pained her now. She warned him. He didn't listen. Now, they paid for his ignorance. Another strike. The second big one, for Laurel.

Three strikes and you're out.

Silence lingered between them, because what was there to say? Indra was taken. Abel was still missing, as far as Laurel knew, and with every passing moment the chances of finding him slimmed down.

With every passing moment, she was reminded of what Merrick might be doing to Indra. And Iliksis had been eerily silent ever since she had given in to his demands. Almost as if he didn't know, either, how to make good on his side of the bargain.

Mahler was silent. It annoyed Laurel, for if anyone should know what to say, it was him. She said, eventually, What is Rivenwood going to do? Her words were level as she looked at him, searching for his eyes. Resentment was clear in hers, but there was a spark of pleading hope, too, as she awaited his answer with bated breath.