[ She notices the changes in him, of course, and without disguising it, she withdraws a dagger from her hip. Maybe she wouldn't have, if he hadn't reached for the sword, but it's better safe than sorry. He may not be the changed man Brennan thought. ]

I can explain, but if you attack, I will defend myself. [ Oren, too, sensing a shift, bares his teeth in a warning growl. She isn't stronger than Cullen by any means, but she's quick, and she has a mabari.

It'd be bloody, no matter what. ]

You have one chance to relinquish your weapon. [ She says in a low tone. ] I won't have you spreading that madness to this mansion.