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"I knew better," I said. "That's the worst part. I know trapped animals can be bait. I know traps are normally protected and I know you check the whole area before approaching anything injured. I just..."

I looked toward the vegetation where the Kelvarin had disappeared.

"I could feel them."

Corian's expression softened slightly.

"That doesn't excuse it."

"No."

I looked at him again.

"I'm sorry."

The words came out quieter than I intended.

Corian nodded. "Accepted."

That was it.

I frowned.

He noticed. "What?"

"Nothing."

"Jade."

"I expected more."

"More what?"

"I don't know. Anger."

"I was angry."

"Punishment."

His brow furrowed.

"Why?"

"Because I ignored an order."

"You stopped."

"On the second one."

"Yes, and we'll work on the first."

I stared at him.

Corian leaned one shoulder against the nearby tree. "You made a bad decision. You didn't kill anyone. You learned something. I'm not going to invent a punishment to make you feel worse about a mistake you already understand."

"That seems very reasonable."

"Try not to sound disappointed."