No. She wouldn’t try to force Eris out with the others. If she used her abilities at all, it was for comfort, to make things easier back in the Pleasure Garden. To smooth minor day-to-day interactions. But she had to be careful. Push too hard, and she had the power to influence their thoughts, decisions, movements. It made her no better than the Oracle—just someone else to control them. Steal their choices.

She’d just proven it.

“The ichor is enhancing your abilities?” Eris asked, her voice strangely flat.

Rhea nodded. “I can’t . . . I can’t control myself.” At Eris’s silence, Rhea asked, “How are you still in here?”

“Trained against Evoli mind techniques. I have more skill than most.” Eris let out a small breath and glanced out the window. “Get it together. They’re worried.”

Rhea sensed the others outside. Their fear battered her like phantom fists on the grimy windows. They would have so many questions—and they deserved her honesty. Rhea bit the inside of her cheek. She should put her illusion back first, make things easier. But when she tried, she lost control again. Did the ichor interfere? Was she still too afraid? Or did she, deep down, finally stop wanting to hide?

She squeezed her eyes shut. Think of calm, cool green. Think of lilies. Think of the open expanse of stars with Clo on the observation deck. You still have a whole universe to explore with her.

Rhea’s breath slowed. She bowed her head until her helmet pressed to the ground. She was too exhausted even to draw the illusion over her skin again. Too drained to force the others to stay outside while she tried.

The door to the barracks squeaked open.

Rhea cringed deeper into the shadows as the others entered.

“Rhea,” Clo said, her hands up as she approached. Her expression was soft, understanding. “You’re fine, Rhea. It’s okay.”

Clo gave her the courage to come out of those shadows. Rhea rose. Her hands remained by her side, gloved hands balled into fists, as she moved from the dim corner of the barracks into a patch of sunlight. She raised her head, until they all saw her face once more.

No one said a word. Rhea didn’t look away. She was aware of what they saw. Her features were the same. In every way, she appeared just as she had before, aside from her skin almost glowing from within and the telltale spiral freckles.

“So,” Clo said, voice low. “You’re Evoli? Were you a spy on Tholos?”

“No. Not exactly.” Rhea doubled over again. “I need air.”

Clo nodded and gently grasped Rhea’s arm. “Lean on me. You can barely stand.”