[Despite everything, that makes Maya smile. It's humorless, even bordering on the bitter. But she hardly looks angry at his condemnation. Everyone had been so desperate to forgive her, to risk their lives for her, and it made her sick.

It had only gotten worse, with Hester's disappearance.]

I should have finished the job, when I had the blade to my neck. I wish I had. [She breathes out slowly. Her voice is calm, as if she's discussing the weather.] Regardless of whether I truly meant to harm Elle, whether or not I was in my right mind, I still killed her. The same for Orpheus, and to say nothing of Eurydice. Mercy should have been granted to someone who did so accidentally. For Varian, or for Sissi.