Page 112 of An Archer's Reckoning

Jess began to stir.

“What is it?” Atikus asked as his gaze swiveled about the cavern.

“I think that woman is back in my head, but this time, Ifeelher pushing me to act. It’s like she’s trying to take over my self-control. I’m trying to resist, but she keeps coming back with more force behind her words.” My eyes pleaded with the Mage. “She says Jess wants to kill us.”

I downed the wine in one gulp and refilled it, desperate to make the voice stop.

When it spoke next, a wave of Compulsion slammed into me.

“Keelan, you must help me. You must stop her. You are the only one who can—before she gains her full power. She is evil. Stop her, Keelan.”

My eyes glazed as my mind fell prey to her call.

I looked down to find my belt knife drawn and resting ready in my hand.

When had I drawn my blade?

I set the dagger on the table and put my head in both hands.

Atikus rose and took a tentative step toward the table. “Give me the dagger, Keelan.”

“You must help me. You must stop her before it’s too late.”

Power thrummed through me. It swelled in my chest and roared in my mind. It no longer asked or begged. It demanded.

The Compulsion was overwhelming, pulling at me, urging me, consuming my mind with images of driving my dagger into her—into Jess.

Atikus yelled something I couldn’t understand.

A terror-filled scream echoed throughout the cavern.

I snapped back to the present.

Jess lay beneath me. My legs straddled her body, pinned her to the cot. My dagger pressed against her throat.

A bead of blood welled under my sharp blade.

“ATIKUS!” Jess screamed. “Help me! Keelan, please . . . stop!”

Her last words were more whimper than cry.

The Mage bolted forward, eyes wide. He reached toward me with urgent yet soothing words. “Keelan, step away from Jess. Give me the knife, son. Hear me, Keelan. It’s Atikus.”

My arm wouldn’t move.

I tried.

I threw my will against the Compulsion and found my strength lacking. The dagger dug deeper, a ruby line replacing the bead.

I looked up. My heart raced. My eyes filled with panic.

“Ican’tstop it, Atikus. I’m trying, butshewon’t let me stop. You’ve got to get Jess away from me. Now!”

Atikus gripped my arm, pulling with all his spindly strength. I didn't budge, but my arm moved enough to lift the tip of the knife from Jess’s neck and allow her to slip out of the bed. She ran to the opposite end of the room and pressed herself against the shelving.

Her arms crossed her body in a frightened embrace.

“Don’t stop, Keelan! You must kill her. This may be your only chance to save everyone. NOW!”

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