[ Era quickly snatches back her Soul of the Dragoon, suddenly not quite so trusting. There is suspicion now, in her expression and body language both. ]

This is a trick.

[ As happy as she is to have had the chance to see Estinien again, she wishes he were not here. This has to be a trick. A trap. She knows Zenith can play mind games more effectively than any monster she's encountered.

Era doesn't know what they would gain from it, since it isn't as though her actions and words have been truly hidden from the corporation all these moons. Perhaps simply to cause her more pain for daring to spread word of their misdeeds? For sowing further doubt among the volunteers?

She stares at him, as if she could will away any glamours with just her eyes. ]

He cannot be here. He can't. Not him.

I came here to keep you all safe. Neither of you should be here.

[ This place is hellish, and she can't bear the thought of losing any of her friends again. Even if they never view her as a friend - if she is forever someone to distrust and view with disdain - she will love them all the same. It would not make losing them any easier. ]

What lies did they tell you to make you agree to this?