Trinket was a very smart bear – Vex always said so – and a very brave one. He'd gone into battle many many many times. Even against dragons. But when Snow screamed and screamed, he didn't know what to do. There wasn't anything to fight. So he stayed close, where she could feel him, and bared his teeth at anybody who came into the lobby to see what the noise was about.

Vex stayed still as well, unflinching, with the hand on Snow's hair a gentle reminder that Snow wasn't alone, and inside Vex's heart breaking. She only began to move again when the scream died down to nothing, and then only to run her hand slowly down Snow's hair. If it had been Vax. Or Percy. Vex couldn't let herself think about that. Snow needed her, and her husband and brother were still here.

Trinket shifted closer when Snow stopped her screaming, resting his head on her shoulder and brushing his nose against her cheek. He could smell the tears, bitter and salt, and he snuffled as they continued to fall.