Sam avoided Ayl's gaze, then nodded, before responding in a small voice. "I-I know...I can't get stronger otherwise," she whispered, still not looking at Ayl. "And if you<span style="font-style: italic">do</span>kill me, then so be it. I died trying to become stronger. I'll be of no use otherwise..." She finally looked back up at him with wide eyes. "When do you want to start?" she asked, still picking at her sleeves. She stole a few glances at her other two companions, then took a deep breath to steady herself. All emotion seemed to be wiped off her face, and she straightened up.