Forlattena Prison, Desmond, 10416 P.C.

Matthew wasn't responding. His breathing was shallow and his skin felt like ice to Todd's touch. It had been over an hour since Anthony disappeared, a terribly uncomfortable hour in which Todd and Jessie had been unbound from their ropes and secured in manacles. It was as if the soldiers were afraid that Matthew's abilities weren't his alone. Matthew himself was chained hand and foot, although he remained unconscious with no signs of waking up any time soon. Todd held the boy's head in his lap, distracting himself from their dire situation by trying to rub heat back into Matthew's limp hands. They were like blocks of ice, such a terrible contrast to the warmth he had always used to emit. Even Jessie looked worried, curled up next to Todd and sharing what little body heat she had with them. She, too, was unnaturally cold, her eyes entranced with Matthew's face.

She checked the pulse in his neck again. "I think we're losing him," she whispered.

Todd swallowed hard, looking down into Matthew's face before looking up at the soldiers around them. The fire was nearly dead, and the soldiers seemed restless, busying themselves with pacing or standing guard. Todd didn't understand why none of them had pursued Anthony, and he wasn't sure if he should have been relieved or worried. Matthew's scene had clearly terrified some of them, although the commander only looked grim. Todd did his best to ignore the enemy around him. He rubbed Matthew's hands harder, inwardly begging the boy to wake up.

The aircraft's return startled him. It was silent, descending through the fog and coming to land in the same place it had been before. Todd set his jaw, watching one of the soldiers pull Matthew's limp form off of him and sling him over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes. Matthew didn't stir. Another soldier grabbed Todd's arm, and Todd struggled to his feet, swaying on numb legs as he was led to the aircraft. The interior reminded him of the back of a large van, with seats lining the walls and a cab in the front for the pilot. Todd willingly sat down in the seat he was ordered to sit in, letting the soldier buckle him in. Jessie was strapped in beside him. Matthew was left on the floor at Todd's feet, and Todd watched him in trepidation, willing the boy to hold on.

They took off. Todd hated the lurch in his stomach as the craft lifted into the air and began to speed away — to Zusia, presumably. He had been hoping his first visit there would have been on his terms. Not like this.

Death loomed on the horizon. Todd fought for peace.

Was this his fault? He should have gone with Anthony to check the traps, he should have been able to fight off the enemy instead of keeling over and putting the lives of his friends in peril. If any of them died today, Todd knew he had no one to blame but himself.

If Matthew never woke up, Todd knew he'd never forgive himself.

'Peace, Deliverer,' came that voice in his mind — but it wasn't the Veiled Lady. It was the same voice that had spoken to him during his fight with the Velniasol, the voice that had directed him and saved his life. The sound of the voice brought warmth to Todd's chest, and he breathed easier, closing his eyes.

He had never tried talking to this voice, and he wondered if it could read his mind. He formed a question, directing the thought at the voice:

Who are you?

He could feel the being's smile somehow. 'I am... a friend.'

Todd frowned. How do I know I can trust you?

'You can by knowing that I have always been and always will be with you.'

Todd opened his eyes, glancing sideways at Jessie. She seemed oblivious to his inner conversation as she stared down at Matthew. Todd looked down at Matthew as well, wondering how he could test the voice he was hearing.

You've been with me my whole life?

'Yes. I am your guardian. Your Protector, assigned by the Creator to shield you from certain mental and physical attacks.'

Todd narrowed his eyes at the wording. Certain attacks?

'Some battles you must fight yourself.'

It made sense, he decided. He still wasn't sure how to trust this voice. Can I see you?

'I have no physical body. Your worldly eyes are not capable of seeing me.'

Do you have a name?

The voice chuckled. 'Yes, I suppose I do, yet it is of a different tongue and not of mortal men. You may call me Bartholomew.'

The aircraft shuddered, and Todd tensed. Jessie put her hand on his, giving him a reassuring look. He struggled to return it.

'You carry a heavy burden, Deliverer,' Bartholomew continued. His voice was low, like an older man's, yet he seemed ageless somehow in the way he spoke; gentle, honeyed, yet firm. Warm, countering Jessie's cold fingers. 'You still have much to learn and understand, and I'm afraid the road to victory will be one full of trials.'

Todd's gaze never left Matthew. The boy seemed to be even paler than before. Will Matthew be okay?

Bartholomew didn't reply for what felt like ages. 'I am not permitted insight into another's future. Only yours.'

Todd found a loophole. Is he in my future?

Again, his Protector paused. 'Not in the way you perceive he will be.'

That could have meant anything. Todd hadn't truly thought about what the future could hold, except that maybe he'd find the Immortal One's son with Annabella, Jessie, Stephanie, and Matthew. Was Bartholomew saying he wouldn't? That something would happen that would stop Matthew from joining them? Or was there more? The more answers he was given, the more questions he had.

Todd closed his eyes, leaning his head back against the seat. What do I do? he thought miserably.

Bartholomew spoke quietly, gently. 'Trust the Immortal One, Todd. He chose you for a reason. Don't doubt that now.'

For the next hour, everything was silent. The soldiers whispered among themselves, but Todd and Jessie remained quiet, the occasional glance between them the only conversation they had. Matthew remained still, so still that Todd thought for sure he was dead. He didn't respond to Todd lightly jabbing him in the side with his foot, and that icy fear fought to take hold of Todd again. What did Bartholomew mean, Matthew wouldn't be in his future the way he perceived? How had Todd perceived Matthew to be in his future? He didn't know. All he knew was that even if Matthew did survive whatever it was he was fighting, they were about to walk into the presence of the king of Desmond. The tyrant who wanted all who tested his power dead.

"Beginning descent into Zusia," the pilot called, creating a stir among the passengers. Todd took a deep breath, looking at Jessie. This was it. They were finally going to meet Motch face to face.

Jessie clutched his hand tightly, taking a deep breath herself.

All at once, Matthew gasped like a man coming up for air, a flash of light engulfing him. The aircraft shuddered as Matthew slammed his hands against the metal floor, the manacles around his wrists ripped apart at the chain links. He sat up, gasping and choking for air, glowing in the same way Anthony had before he had run. The light faded in a near-instant as Matthew heaved and slumped to the side, leaning heavily on Todd's leg. He was warm again, his mere touch filling Todd with relief.

Every weapon was out, pointed at them. The aircraft stuttered a bit, jerking as it continued its slow descent. Was it Todd's imagination, or were the lights flickering?

"Chain him," the commander ordered, but none of the soldiers moved to obey. They too had noticed the flickering lights, the way the aircraft seemed to shudder as if battling with some unseen enemy.

Jessie's hand tightened around Todd's so hard it hurt. Todd realized the issue with a terrifying jolt: the aircraft was powered by Athrii. Matthew's magic had returned to him, and it was shutting the aircraft down.