[Hayame understood that, at least. What it was to be honored. (More frequently, what it was to be disgraced.) But whichever way she knew… ]

I am not…

[She thinks she will say she is not ashamed, but that… that is not quite true. And Akua would know it was not true, and the lie would cause only doubts. But she has… she cannot allow her to think-]

What I am ashamed of… is not being able to resist the compulsions of magic. Of not… of not knowing what I must do after.

Not… that it is you.

[She hesitates. A long moment. Before,]

Akua, you… You loved that woman of your world, did you not? The one who… the one who killed you?

[That… sure is a sentence.]