Thank goodness I'm not the only one who thought this! I'd rather Egwene be freaking balefired than lose Hopper! I remember reading something on these forums before the book came out that hinted at a "most depressing moment", and as soon as I recalled that I started panicking whenever Perrin's chapters would come around. I instantly knew what it would be. Thank god I was somewhere out in public when I read that part, because I'd have bawled if had read it at home!

That last bit with Noam/Boundless soothed the pain a bit, with Perrin's realization that he chose the life of a wolf, and laying his hand on Boundless' head in understanding, then sending out their scents together. So so lovely. But still, I hated that we had to lose Hopper! Tai'shar Mah'alleinir!