I felt a sort of a high walking away from the tavern, the dagger in my gasp. I succeeded. Avis didn't even suspect. Everything was going smoothly, the plan was in motion. Soon everything- What plan? I didn't have a plan?

I stopped walking, refusing my feet to go forward.

"What's wrong Alex?" Gloria's voice ringing in my head

"Your thoughts and mine…"

"Are blending together. I am aware."

My hands started shaking, my breathing shallow. "This is scaring me Gloria. You're scaring me."

"Would it help to see me?" Her soul pushed away, smiling back at me. She put her translucent hand on my shoulder, her long thin hair flying with the breeze. The strange blue aura she carried blending into the colour of the sky. "I know it's overwhelming, it's overwhelming for me too." She took my hand. "But we're in this together."

She pulled me forward, leading down the street. I almost tripped over my feet, looking up at the surrounding buildings. Not many people around, those who were huddled together with hushed whispers. I probably looked funny, walking visibly alone with my arm outstretched.

I turned my attention to that arm, dried blood sticking to my skin. I pressed my fingers against it, a stinging pain. "What happened to my arm? This didn't happen in my fight with Avis."

"Carrick wasn't too happy about us leaving." Gloria turned back, giving me a wary eye. I stared at her, nearly tripping again on the uneven cobblestones.

"Are you saying we fought him? How come I don't remember? He's not dead, is he…?" I stammered my words, my arm throbbing.

"One question at a time." Gloria kept her eyes forward. Yanking my arm, as she increased her speed.

I pulled back. "Just tell me what happened."

She sighed, "Yes there was a fight with Carrick.You don't remember because I took full control. I think he's still alive."

I swallowed a lump in my throat, "But...I can remember stuff now?"

"Yes, well, muscle memory or not, I don't know how to fight well. I needed your help with Avis."

My heart nearly stopped. "...You're picking and choosing how much control I have?"

She glared at me. "What are you accusing me of Alex? I didn't decide to be here. I was happy enough resting with the dead."

I gaped at her, the anger fading from her eyes.

"You never asked me if I wanted to come back, maybe I would have preferred to stay. " A sadness resting on her face. She kept on walking, pulling me along.

"What are you talking about Gloria?"

"It's different for me, Alex.You can go where you want, do what you want. I lived in a cage." Her voice broke.

"I- I never even thought." I held her hand tighter.

She laughed, smiling back at me. "You wouldn't have noticed, always too preoccupied with proving yourself."

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I frowned, staring at the ground. It seemed silly now, how hard I fought to be seen as anything more than a peasant.

"I was doing it for you." I looked back up at her.

Her eyes softened. "I know."

I scratched my head, "Are you really saying you'd rather be dead?"

"I don't know," she paused, staring off. "Beyond this world, behind the gate...things are different. There is so much to know, to learn and I could see it all." A shine in her eyes.

I felt sick to my stomach. She met my eyes, her expression resolved. "But, I won't waste this opportunity Alex. I promise I will fix things."

"Fix things?" I twisted my face in a frown.

Gloria opened her mouth to answer, flicking her head around. "Did you hear that?"

The sound of horses, a chariot. Quickly through the streets, growing louder. I pulled Gloria's phantom with me, ducking behind a merchant's counter. Knocking over crates, we fell in a tumble. Peeking my eyes out to the street, I watched a chariot pulled along through the street. It bore the colours of the royal family…

King Gregori

Gloria's fingers were tight on the counter. Her expression, stiff and unreadable. I couldn't imagine what she was feeling.

The chariot stopped, Gregori turning back to someone. I cranked my neck, spotting a dark horse canter behind. The rider wore a stern expression, a fresh gash across his forehead. He wore dark, silverlined over-cloak. Carrick. I hid deeper in, fearing the chaos this meeting would bring. Carrick had guts to show his face.

Carrick got off his horse, approaching the chariot. Gregori smiled at him. The two shaking hands.

My eyes grew wide. "What the hell?"

They looked civil, friendly even, no sign of lasting hatred.

Gloria gave me a worried look. "How did he manage..."

"Have you gotten any word of that scoundrel Wren yet?" Gregori's voice echoed through the streets. I blinked, staring at the disgusted look on his face. That was my name, he said my name.

Carrick shrugged, "He was spotted close to here. We won't let him get away though, not for the lives lost in Omen, not for what he orchestrated." His voice biting, as he tightened the reins.

Carrick hung his head. "Again I feel the need to apologize for my foolishness, I should've never let someone like him get close enough to corrupt my thoughts."

"He had us all fooled Carrick," Gregori said, a stupid frown aross his face.

I knew what this meant, what Carrick was saying. Betrayal, an action so characteristic of him. I should've seen this coming.

Gloria stumbled back, her face going pale. "He's blaming you...for all of it. I can't believe he would say that, that my father would listen to this." She tightened her fists, heading after them.

I caught her hand, shaking my head. "No Gloria, it isn't worth it."

"Your gifting doesn't work like mind control Alex! They know that, both of them."

She frowned at me, darting her eyes between me and them."Their blind attempts at power not only killed hundreds, but shifted the very trajectory of the world." She raised her chin. "To deny responsibility, I can't accept it."

"Then don't," I pulled her closer, "you said you had a plan, let's follow it."

Her eyes grew wide, she took both my hands, "You really want to help me Alex?"

"With all of my heart." I whispered, my hands trembling. This required courage.

I focused my eyes back out to the street, Gregori and Carrick talking in lower tones. Pointing further down the street, they walked apart. Gregori back in his chariot, Carrick on his horse; the two continued without noticing us.

I had to be careful, grasping onto the little power I had left. It didn't seem like it would be enough. Small ideas, few options.

I looked down, baskets and shelves beneath the counter. In one, a blank stack of parchment, bound together. I picked it up, slipping it into my coat.

"What is that for?" Gloria asked, tilting her head. Eyes locked in confusion. I pushed away my thoughts, refusing to dwell on them.

"Something to detail our travels in." I grinned at her. "You know how sentimental I am."

She shook her head, laughing, "I do remember. You wrote me endless amounts of songs."

I smiled back as I stood, motioning her onward, "This is your plan Gloria, lead on."