She doesn't know everything that he means. Why else did they? Rahzel doesn't know. She doesn't know, she doesn't, and oh, she doesn't think she wants to know why, doesn't want to follow the coils of that particular beast.

Her other hand cups his cheek.

"They don't expect a damn thing because they're so stupid they destroyed themselves. Their strength is what will destroy them."

A laugh wrenches out of her, finally, finally, like a sigh.

"That's right. As long as you have that, there's hope."