AT THE SIGHT of Yeshe, memories swarmed Will like angry hornets, each with a sting. The tower invasion. Adi’s stabbing. Case’s capture. And with each memory, his guilt. Guilt for causing it all. Because he’d trusted the man who appeared before them now.
“Please, my friends, join me,” Yeshe called from where he sat on the throne.
“We are not your friends!” Will yelled back.
not“But I am yours,” Yeshe replied.
“No! You aren’t!” Will cried.
“If you would only let me—” Yeshe began.
“You lied to us. You hurt Adi. She might…she might…” His words died, and with them, the worst of his anger. He dropped his head, his shoulders slumping. Beside him, Case squeezed his arm while Brian whined.
“Please,” Yeshe said, his voice suddenly close.
Will looked up. They now stood at the bottom step befo
