Tobias led Alvie along the winding corridor. It was colder down here, lit only by fiery torches in brackets on the wall. The opposite wall consisted of dense titanium doors with small, barred windows. Haunted groans, screams plagued with incurable terror, pitiful calls for mercy echoed up and down the hall. Tobias grinned at his little brother.

"Music to my ears."

"Indeed." Alvie agreed, peering into one of the cells. "Where is he?"

"A little further on. Are you holding up alright in that host body, sir?"

"I will adjust. Although not as skilled as I, Alvie was not weak. Well," He regarded himself, "not mentally at least."

"He never really was one for physical combat, sir."

"I may have to change that. I am not used to being this short and scrawny." Tobias looked amused.

"Here we are, sir." He said moments later, drawing a key from his pocket. He fitted it in the lock and turned it. Alvie entered first. Tobias followed after pulling a torch from a bracket. The amber flames lit up the room, casting a flickering pool of light on its lone inhabitant.

"Has he fed?"

"No, sir."

"Excellent." He snapped his fingers and Max startled awake, drawing a ragged breath. "Max." Alvie tucked his hands behind his back, contemplating the prisoner. Max frowned. His two brothers stood over him, almost victoriously, while he sat in chains, starved and demeaned. Alvie reached out and pressed his fingertips to Max's forehead. "Don't fight it." Alvie smiled. Max grimaced, defiance in his jaw. Alvie applied pressure and pushed with his mind. Max inhaled sharply, eyes rolling back in his head. "No-one can fight it."