Riley’s fists unclenched and his fingers straightened stiffly at his sides. I saw his eyes flash open, but he kept his gaze on the floor. “Look at me?” his words were low, almost too low to hear, but the venom they dripped was unmistakable. A moment later, a smirk spread slowly across his downturned face. “Is that what you wish? To look at me? Perhaps it can be arranged…”

“I grow tired of you,” Epistola droned. “It is time we end this.” She stretched out her hands to the chanting, swaying figures around her. “Minions, attack!”

They all became still, most only looking to her with dull-eyed confusion. Some seemed to understand her meaning though, and four broke off from the group to rush across the stage toward us.

Riley strode forward, and just as they jumped to tackle him, he sent them all flying into the wings with one sweep of his arm.

My mouth fell open in shock. It looked like he’d barely touched them! But it seemed they would not be deterred as they all pushed back to their feet and immediately started for Riley again. It was then that I noticed his eyes had begun to glow.

They got within a couple feet of him, but just when it seemed they were about to leap for him again, they all froze in their tracks.

“Take him,” Epistola shrieked from the fire. “The power of Azathoth will give you the strength!”

But none of them were listening to her, and I had difficulty paying her any attention either, as I watched their eyes widen impossibly and their faces contort in hideous agony. The four young men fell to their knees, gripping the sides of their heads, and then the screams began.

I looked back to Riley. The green fire of his eyes illuminated the smoky air around him, and his entire body seemed to surge with a power.

Epistola turned to the remaining cultists behind her. “Don’t just stand there. Attack!”

There was an undeniable hesitation among the ranks, but then two of them charged at Riley. He knocked them down as if they were made of paper.

“Why do you send children to the slaughter before me?” His melodious voice rang clear, even over the screams. “Why do you not come at me yourself, mortal no longer?”

Was that fear I saw in Epistola’s eyes as the two now on the floor began to thrash and writhe in torment with the others? Riley breathed deeply, as if inhaling some magnificent fragrance, and then stepped over one of them to start toward Epistola.

“You have no power over my mind,” she decried even as she backed away, shielding herself behind the remaining cultists. “I am the conduit!” She gave two of her minions violent shoves in Riley’s direction before turning to circle the fire.