That night, Genesis couldn't sleep. It's not that she had bad dreams or the bed she slept in was uncomfortable. It was, but that wasn't why she couldn't sleep. Her mind wouldn't let her sleep. She slowly sat up in bed and walked out of her room. Maybe a small walk would make her tired. As she walked around, she heard a small breeze. There was no wind, but she could hear it.

Turning around, she caught Stephen behind her. "Can't sleep?"

"I sensed that you couldn't. I thought it was another nightmare."

"Kind of creepy to know that you're reading my mind so much without telling me," she frowned.

He closed his eyes in defeat. "I thought doing it without you being conscious of it would help me get inside. I feel like it's getting harder and harder."

She shook her head. "Well, I'm sorry."

Stephen paused. "Look, I know I can hardly ask you to trust me, but...you have to let me in."

"I'm trying but it's beyond my control. Don't you think I want this fixed?"

He studied her face as she stared at him, sincerely. His hand rubbed his temple as a sigh escaped his lips. "You asked about the cliff. I don't really know why I go there. For months, I've seen it in my mind. Just randomly. I pictured it in my mind, opened a portal, and boom. A cliff by the sea. I thought..."

Stephen cleared his throat before going on. "I thought about my sister when I first saw it. She loved the beach so much."

"I'm assuming she's..."

Stephen wouldn't look at her but nodded.

"Sorry."

"Just a kid. And she was taken too soon," he said, almost as if he didn't hear her.

Genesis put her hand on his back and was surprised to see that his eyes were turning glossy. Her heart skipped a beat when he lowered his head to her shoulder and sniffed to hold back a sob.

"Hey, hey.." she whispered when she felt her shoulder dampen with tears.

Stephen croaked. "I'm sorry."

He pulled away from her shoulder as she held his face in her hands. His eyes were a bit red and his cheeks were stained with tears. "It's okay. You're okay."

Wiping his face, he gave a nervous chuckle. "I don't...know why I told you about that."

She shrugged. "It's fine. I know how hard it is to miss someone, especially family."

"It isn't just that. She died...because of me," he whispered.

"What?"

His mouth hung open. "I...we went swimming and I wasn't quick enough to..to save her from drowning. Before I knew it, my parents died years later. And then my brother."

"Stephen," she said, concerned, "None of that was your fault. I mean,you should know that."

"I didn't say goodbye to my father," he said, suddenly.

She felt overwhelmed. "Stephen, just..calm down. It's not your fault."

"I didn't go see him when he was dying. I refused to see him," he said as he covered his eyes with his hand.

"Look, Stephen, I think you need professional help. It's not that I don't appreciate you trusting me with all this, but...why?"

He gave a heavy sigh. He ran a hand through his brown hair and replied, "I felt that you needed to see me as...more than a sorcerer. I know you don't trust me."

She gazed up at him and only now realized how tall he was. "Stephen...I'm sorry. I didn't mean for you to spill your life story so suddenly."

His hand cupped her cheek as he said, "Trust me. Let me in."

She knew why he couldn't get in. Karl. He must've been preventing Stephen from her mind until he found the right time to approach him. As much as she wanted to help Karl, she trusted Stephen more. She realized that she would have to come clean. "Strange...I have to tell you something."

His eyes brightened a bit as he leaned forward. Genesis held her tongue for a moment. She lowered her eyes, but slowly raised them to look at Stephen. Her cheeks burned when she saw him close his eyes and lean towards her.

"I think you're in trouble," she said, quietly.

He grimaced. "What?"

Her eyes landed on the bronze eye around his neck. "I think it's because...of that thing."

Stephen touched the eye, gently. "This? Is this what you keep seeing?"

She nodded. "When you see my dreams...you don't see what's happening and neither do I. I mean, I can only hear my voice and see myself in the middle of New York. But I hear this voice telling me to save you..from that."

She seemed hypnotized by the eye as Stephen tried to understand. "I'm in control of this. I understand and have studied its power. Don't worry about me."

He is hand went behind her head and he brought her face towards his. She was about to speak before being silenced by his kiss. Her eyes widened before she got lost in his embrace. Her arms went around his neck as she pulled him closer. Eyes closed, they stopped kissing. He kissed her forehead and she smiled.

She glanced up and her heart shattered. Stephen was gone and Karl stood before her. She felt sick as she tried to back away. He held her close as he frowned at her. "I should've suspected a weak mind like your would-"

Genesis gave a piercing shriek. Karl backhanded her across the fade, causing her to slip to the floor. "You'll pay dearly for that."

"For the scream or for being a better kisser?"

Karl grabbed her wrist and hoisted her to her feet. "I suspected you would prove to be worthless, but clearly, you bear strong feelings towards Strange."

"Let her go, Mordo."

They both turned silent when they heard a breeze of wind. A calm voice filled the air and Karl kept his hold on Genesis.

"I would've liked to keep my presence a secret a while longer, but this will do, I suppose," Karl grinned as he turned to see Stephen.

Stephen was in a fighting position with fiery orange orbs at his wrists. He glanced at Genesis before he focused on Mordo. "Mordo, state your demands. You have my attention so leave her alone."

"Forgive the awkward reunion, Stephen. I've been longing to speak to you for some time."

Stephen straightened his posture as he spoke calmly. "You've come back.:

"I would've come sooner, but some of us try not to manipulate time or nature to get what we want," Karl replied, glancing at the Eye of Analog to around Stephen's neck.

"No, you manipulate young women instead," Stephen remarked.

Karl smirked. "Don't twist things, I know it's difficult for you. I knew you wouldn't listen to me if I came to you. I already tried convincing you once. I needed to find a way to do it that would make you listen."

"I know you think the Ancient One was in the wrong, but you weren't there when she spoke to me-"

"She was trying to manipulate you as she has done to all of us for years," Karl snapped.

"She spent her last words telling me the truth. She hated drawing power from the darkness, but she had to do it to protect her students as well as other lives."

Karl gave a shake of his head. He was face-to-face to Stephen as Genesi struggled against Mordo's grip.

"She prolonged her life to continue manipulating this planet's reality to her bidding and pleasure. I was too blind to see it and now, you've become to ignorant to see it. I only want to help you, Stephen."

Stephen shook his head. "Karl, please, listen to what I'm saying-"

"The Eye of Agamotto will be the end of you because you lack the respect and understanding to wield it. No man should wield it, least of all you."

Stephen tried to change the subject. "You were blocking me from her mind. You had no right to involve her in this. She doesn't understand any of this .Who's looking manipulative now?"

Karl sighed as he explained. "I wanted to help you. I'm trying to save your life and you're only defending your own suicide."

"We swore an oath to protect the Eye, and I was well aware of the risks that came with it," Stephen replied.

"Stephen," Karl said, lowering his voice, "Please. You have such promise."

Karl's eyes saddened as they pleaded with Stephen. Genesis watched Stephen shake his head. "You're only seeing the glass half full."

Without another word, Karl twisted Genesis' wrist so hard that it popped. She screamed and he let her go, as Stephen lunged towards him. Karl moved swiftly and rippef Stephen's ring from his hand. He grabbed him by the neck and gave it a tight squeeze.

Genesis cradled her wrist as Karl pointed a finger at her. "I'll be back for you."

"No.." Stephen croaked.

He struck Karl in the face but he wouldn't let go of his neck. Suddenly, Wong appeared from behind Karl and wrapped his arm around his neck. "Let him go! Now!"

Stephen pulled away when he saw his chance. Karl elbowed Wong in the stomach but Wong kept his hold on him. Suddenly, he ran forward and up into midair, as if there was a wall in front of him. The bottom of his boots had scarlet orbs that seemed to act as stepping stones. He back flipped behind Wong and got his neck free.

Stephen hurried to Genesis' side and examined her wrist.

"You have to help Wong," Genesis cried.

Strange got to his feet and hurried to help Wong, but was too late. Wong was already on the floor with a cut on along his cheek. Karl held a fiery whip as he stood above Wong. The whip was wrapped around Wong's neck.

"Priorities, Stephen. Your medical ego is showing, my friend," Karl said.

"Just tell me what you want, Mordo. But, leave them."

"Come with me," Mordo said as he motioned him towards the open portal.

Without another word, Stephen gave in a and stepped towards the portal. Karl retrieved his whip and stepped over Wong's body. The two men entered the portal and disappeared as it closed. Stephen kept his eyes on Genesis as the portal closed.

Wong slowly got up and put a hand to his neck. "Where did he take him?"

Genesis could barely think or speak. "Somewhere in New York, but I don't know where for sure."

He tried to think, but no ideas came to mind. Genesis was trembling from shock to see Strange taken away, despite his power. It all happened so quickly. Wong gave up trying to think as he slumped his shoulders. "You must tell me what happened. I don't know where he could be, but you must tell me everything that happened."

"You have to find him. I don't know what he'll do to him," Genesis breathed.

"We will. But I need to know what happened. Everything."