He hadn’t even felt the compulsion, and yet somehow, Darai had been the cause of Zahn’s death. Not Valen. Darai.

“Come along, boy,” Darai said. “I’m growing tired of this game. Nor awaits us.”

The view before Valen changed in a flash. He was no longer in his mind castle, but back in his body, lying in his hospital bed. Only he no longer had control of it.

“Get up,” Darai said, those golden eyes shimmering.

Valen stood, aware of how weak he was. But also aware of a deeper, horrific power propelling him forward.

A power that he was helpless to fight.

Nor was surprised to see them when they arrived.

“Valen!” She stood, pulling a cloak over her shoulders as she crossed the room to his side, pausing quickly to look at Darai. “He should be resting. Why did you bring him here?”

“Apologies, Majesty,” Darai said, and Valen felt sick as the adviser’s tone changed, as his face crumbled to that weakened state he’d always shown them, so different from the monster Valen had just met in his mind.

How many times had Valen missed the truth about Darai?

How many times had Valen sensed the old man’s compulsion, but thought nothing of it?

“The boy is weak,” Darai said as he kept his grip on Valen’s arm, helping to support his body. “I tried to change his mind, but he insisted. He wishes to speak with you, said it was urgent.”

With every step Valen took, he begged Nor to see him resisting.

He begged her to understand that he was not a part of this, that he was a puppet, and Darai was the master pulling his strings.

But she only helped guide Valen toward the couch across the room, settling him against the cushions.

“I tried to find you in the medical wing, Majesty,” Darai said, sitting down across from Valen in a chair. “I just received word that Nexus is complete, and I came to alert you of it, but found Valen instead. The doctors informed me that his time is short, so I thought it best to bring him up to speed on our plan.”

“What?” Nor asked, raising her voice. She looked to Valen with widening eyes. “You told him?”

Darai inclined his head. “I know it is unforgivable of me to have overstepped. But we are running out of time, and the opportunity will be gone from us if we do not decide immediately. I thought it would ease your pain if we told Valen, and if he was given the chance to decide for himself.”

Nor was silent, as if she couldn’t believe Darai’s words.

He’s lying! Valen screamed from his mind, sending the message as far as he could, pushing it toward their mental doorway. I’m still here, Nor! You have to hear me!

But the message rebounded back to him, unheard.