My retreat wasn't to be just yet. Nero stood staring at me, my brother's kindness penetrating my aura at last. I jerked to a halt with barely a step of progress made. Had he not seen what I'd seen? Did he know the mist now seemed able to emerge and act, that I was glad of such a thing? But no, not from his expression. So, what I'd just lived, the door that felt so real, was all in my mind.

I was going mad, apparently.

Nero came to me, one hand taking mine, face showing ...