Time unfroze in a blink, and I lurched under Silas's arm, twisting to avoid the reaching fingers. Once I backed up several paces, putting a few yards between us, I focused inward, pulling on what I assumed was my mana.

Silas's confused expression faded into the background as Time's voice echoed through my head.

Focus on him and no one else. His failed attempt to grab you has him isolated from the others.

Time was right. Dominicus and the rabbit lady were nearly across the hallway from us. I'd still have to be careful, but knowing I had some room to maneuver was a relief.

Focusing on Silas, I pulled on the spell, feeling the mana build under my skin until I all but vibrated with it. Just like last time, it grew painful, the scalding urge to let go rising again.

I didn't. Despite every instinct screaming to release the power, I held on tight as it kept growing. When I could barely breathe through it, Time's voice anchored me.

Good, now wrap the spell around him and imagine him withering under it. Mana and picturing what you want are the two key requirements to casting.

Silas's eyes narrowed, and his lips pressed into a thin line. “Guards, apprehend–.”

I didn't let myself overthink it. Imagining the power expanding out into a sheet, I focused on encasing Silas in it, rolling him up tight.

A sick choking noise echoed through the hall, Silas's eyes widening to dinner plates as he clutched his throat. The skin wrinkled and aged beneath his fingers, slowly flaking away.

My stomach churned at the sight, but Time's voice cut through my hesitation.

Remember who he is. He ordered that child to be used as bait. His hunger for power has starved and killed thousands across Nexus. He leads to the end of everything.

Flashes of Maya and Karma painted themselves behind my lids, both innocents who would suffer under Silas's reign. Maya had already lost her mother to that monster, and Karma…

Karma hadn't lost anything yet, but she would if I didn't do this. Silas's plans ended with everyone dead.

I wouldn't allow that to happen.

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My resolve hardened to diamond, and I doubled down on the spell. Silas swayed in place, nails scrabbling uselessly at his throat as the spell spread.

I locked my gaze to his and watched as he stumbled back, legs crumpling beneath him. His pants turned loose as his muscles thinned with rapid aging. His fingers became bony, his hair snow white, and a gray film covered his eyes.

His breath hitched, and in blind panic, he lashed out, his hands clutching my shirt, nails raking my neck. I didn't let the spell drop.

His struggles continued for a moment before he slid to his knees with a weak wheeze. “Please, have mercy,” he gasped, the words mangled by his failing lungs.

Icy fury washed over me, drowning the earlier unease.

I grabbed his cloak and dragged us nose to nose. “Did you give mercy to those you ruled over? The mothers and children you killed for your own twisted gain? You've made your bed, now lie in it.”

His nails dragged against my wrist as he struggled. The disintegrating skin at his throat branched outward, reaching toward his chest. He gave a final wheeze, the spell reaching his heart, and his eyes lost focus.

His grip loosened, and he slumped sideways, unfocused eyes staring at the opposite wall as he went still.

Minutes passed in tense silence as I waited, making sure he was truly gone. When he didn't get back up, I released a shuddering sigh.

It was done.

My stomach churned, but I shoved it down to agonize over later. Without Silas and his power looming over my shoulder, there would be time for it.

You did well, though it may not feel like it now. He cannot hurt anyone else, and that is what matters.

Time's voice was a welcome break from the thoughts screaming through my head. I nodded, forcing my focus to Dominicus for a distraction. He stared at Silas's corpse blankly, emotionless.

Concerned, I frowned. “I thought he and the others under Silas's control would be freed when he was gone. Time?” A considering hum vibrated through my skull.

I have never seen a special ability like this, thus I am of no help. Perhaps you could jostle him?

Worth a shot.

Stepping up to Dominicus, I kept a wary eye on the nearby guards–surprised they were not rushing toward their fallen king–and prodded his shoulder.

“Hey, you alright?” He didn't respond, staring blankly at the corpse. Maybe staring at a corpse was a normal pastime here? I hadn't had a chance to see what an average day on Nexus was yet. Time snorted, exhaustion heavy in his tone.

You will find that is not ‘the norm,’ but some kind of after-effect of Silas's mind control power.

Silence passed for a beat before he continued. Be cautious. The king will have allies pretending to be innocent, waiting for their moment to strike. He could be one of them.

I wanted to discard the option immediately, but remembering where my naivety had landed me, I considered it.

Silas had said Dominicus had to be brought to heel, so he should theoretically not have agreed with the king’s ways. I'd keep an eye out just in case, but my gut told me he wasn't that snake's ally. Time hummed.

With any luck, he will make a fine ally in our quest.

I could hope so, especially with a power like his.

Shaking that aside, I tapped Dominicus’s shoulder, pinching when that didn't work. He remained unresponsive. Before I could think better of it, I grabbed his ear and tugged.

That got a reaction, though…not the one I'd hoped for.