"I will set the safeguards and sleep a few feet above you to ensure your protection," Jacques said softly. He had lost his sister to the assassin; he was not about to lose his brother. He needed the rejuvenating soil himself. Even with Eric and Byron to replenish him, he knew he was still weak and needed the healing sleep. Mikhail lifted an eyebrow. "Five minutes in her company, and you are ready to mutiny." A small, weary smile softened the hard line of his mouth. He closed his eyes tiredly, guilt washing over him. It would be Raven who bore the brunt of this night. He would be deep in the ground, far beyond pain, beyond knowledge of separation, beyond grief and the hatred for his species. Raven would be surrounded by the assassins, in danger every moment. More than that, she would have to endure the loss of their mind touch. --little one. He put a wealth of love in his summons. Relief. " --