And there, in the center, a man sits on his knees, his arms stretched out and held up by chains.

There is the real Asher.

He looks up at me, his eyes sunken, his lip bloody. "You will not keep me here forever. I will escape. And when I do, father, I will end your life."

I laugh, dropping my illusion, and examine my own hands. Lucian’s hands. It is good to be myself again, even if just for a while.

I step forward and take a tray of meat and cheeses from the floor and place it before Asher. "One day, my son, you will understand the reasons for what I do. And you will thank me."

He spits in my face.

I wipe away the phlegm and blood and turn to leave. One day, he will understand, and he will ask for forgiveness. The pieces are falling into place. And soon, the power of the Primal One, shall be mine.