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Ashan hesitantly opened the door that led from the dormitories to the Fire House lounge room. More than once, he had thought about going back but the need to check on Catyah kept driving him forward, towards her room. After the previous Night, he owed her that, at least. He had barely slept, the few hours that he had spent in his bed had him tossing and turning, unable to close his eyes, unable to rest. He hated himself for what he had done. He rubbed his eyes as if that could erase the image that was etched in his mind; Catyah, her head bent and her hair covering her face, asking him to go with her. Why had she done it? Had she really wanted him to come or had she felt pity for leaving him behind alone? Either way, he had refused and he feared he had hurt her. But, although she wouldn't understand it if he told her, it was better that way, it was better Malkom had gone to protect her. He was sure he couldn't have done it.