Despite understanding the danger, despite recognizing the invisible leash tightening around them, both he and his sister felt something deeply unsettling "Gratitude".
They were thankful for having been chosen.
They understood now what it meant to be overlooked, what it would mean if another power gained access to that knowledge instead. The thought of being excluded was far more terrifying than the risk of stepping into the trap itself.
It was horrifying how everything felt like their own choice. Every decision, every conclusion, seemed born of their own will, yet a closer examination revealed the truth. They were being guided, gently but inexorably, along a path already laid out for them.
They saw it clearly.
And still, they had no choice but to follow.
The secret at the heart of it all was something they could not afford to lose.
After a long moment of contemplation, Nwadimma broke the silence.
"We need Mei," she said quietly. "Now more than ever."
