She winced at the thought, but nodded. She wouldn't be able to do it, wouldn't be able to bring herself to do something like that, but she could understand why he would, and even almost admired him for his braveness.

"I don't think I'd be able to do that to myself, I'd be too afraid," she said, lowering her eyes. Admitting it almost made her feel ashamed, not only because she admitted that she would be scared, but because it reminded her that she would never have a brand. "Aloysius says you can only get it off by actually cutting your skin off. I wouldn't be able to do it. I think anyone who would do that is awfully brave, though."