"Yeah, that's exactly what I'm saying," Ellie said, firmly. "Accidents don't make you a monster. What you do, does. Aunamee's a monster, Orc. You aren't. Period. Unless you let yourself turn into one, unless you make this place turn you into one." She took a step closer, less cautious now, and reached out to put a hand on his shoulder.

"I get that it sucks, alright? Especially the-- I won't ever be able to be with anyone either, you know? Not like-- not like that. Sex is kind of off the table. So I know that it sucks. But you can't let them do this to you."