From Protector of the Grey House:
Natalia took a step closer. The question had been simple, the confusion on Ashley’s face made Natalia rethink her strategy. She had always wanted to help the woman find her place in the world. Maybe now, with no Slayer to interfere, she had the chance. “What do you want out of life? Have you ever really thought of that before?”
Ashley blinked for a moment before she shook her head.
“Do you want time to think about it?”
She gave a terrified look at the people around her. “Here?”
Natalia took another step. “Ashley, no one is going to hurt you unless you try to hurt them.”
The young woman looked around again then burst into tears and fell to the ground. She sat there and allowed Natalia to come close enough to hold her. Natalia’s heart broke as she took Ashley in her arms. She didn’t know what to do for the woman. She looked to Vincent and saw no emotions in his eyes. This was her call.
Cat Stark 