I let the shield fall at last, the Daeva, led by Raethnn, coming forward to seize the empty shell of Xeoniteridone and relieve Ram of Elphremantic's wailing, quivering form.

"My Ruler." The desperate son of my fallen enemy tried to catch my attention. "Please, forgive me! It was all my father's idea. I was under his sway - "

"Save it." Ram shoved him a little harder than was necessary, Elphremantic falling into Bakari's not-so-gentle hands. "She's not ...