Xin felt the watcher's energy in his chest for three days. It did not move. Did not speak. Just sat there. Watching.
On the fourth day, it moved.
Xin was in the council chamber. The delegates were arguing about trade routes. Suddenly, his gold light turned black. Then white. Then gold again.
"Xin?" Ren stood up.
Xin raised his hand. "I am fine."
The watcher's voice filled his head. I have decided to give you a gift.
"I do not want your gifts."
You have no choice. The energy is already inside you. The gift is already given.
"What is it?"
The truth.
---
The chamber faded. The delegates faded. Ren faded.
Xin stood in a white room. Empty. Silent.
The watcher stood in front of him. Still faceless. Still tall.
"You want the truth?"
"I want you to leave me alone."
"I will leave. A
