[ He owes La'an a real apology, a real conversation, but it might be for the best that Sveta's determined to keep him here for the next day — La'an might kill him, next time, if she's still caught in the fury that's infecting so many of them. ]

You have me.

[ It's a quiet promise, but there's no give to it. And he won't fail her, like he failed La'an. She won't be the next to die terrified and alone in the snow. His smile flickers, even though his split lip is so sore. ]

After all this, I hope maybe you can add her to your list of friends, too. Despite... this...

[ A rueful gesture at himself. ]

I think you'd like her. I know you would.