Ina waited for Athyn to finish drinking the potion she had given the Femage. It took the potion a few seconds to have an effect. And even then, Athyn's voice came slightly strained.
"I wanted to tell them I was sorry, but I couldn't." Athyn took her hand to her throat and rubbed it. "And it—it didn't even seem it would be enough."
"Of course it isn't. But was it worth it?"
Athyn seemed to consider Ina's question, but then asked something unrelated. "Is everything here alive? Does everything I do here affect something?"
"Most of it is, yes. Most of your actions will affect something or someone, yes."
"I…" Athyn expelled the air she was going to use to speak, as if the truth Ina had just spoken actually hit her. "I don't think I belong here."