[Rinea stares hard at Somnus's silhouette in front of her, horrified to be having this breakdown in front of him and yet desperately glad to have an ally. This nightmare is about Berkut, but more broadly it is about helplessness: and somehow, Somnus's words feel empowering. She scrubs at her eyes --when did she start crying?-- and stands up straighter. She is going to owe Somnus very deeply if she makes it out of this.]

I do! [That much won't change, no matter what.

The doors give way with one final impact, wood splintering with an agonizing groan. Berkut's monstrous likeness staggers in, one rotted wing limp, grinning through its hard breath as it sizes up its prey.]

You're hiding behind another man, now? So you really were just part of Uncle's act. Ruinous woman.

[Hearing that insult a second time is enough for her. Hands clenched into fists, Rinea screams back.]

Stop it! Why are you so determined to suffer!

[Has she ever raised her voice this much? Rinea can't stop herself, voice ragged from the smoke but words tearing free from her throat.] How am I supposed to help you when you don't even help yourself?! If you would just let go of that accursed pride and listen and trust me--!

[Berkut roars with rage, leaping to the attack.]