Changes

"Is there anything we can do to help?"

Atticus had done most of the heavy lifting, but standing idle didn't sit right with them.

He looked at them. "Do you still feel like killing me?"

They hesitated. Then slowly, all three, including Maera, nodded.

'Hmm. I don't feel it anymore though…'

When he'd first met Ae'ark, there had been a strange feeling, like his Will wanted to kill him. And the same had happened with the others.

But now… that sensation was gone.

'Is it because of my True Will?' he wondered.

Still, trust wasn't something he could offer so easily.

"You don't feel that way toward the other paragons, right?"

They shook their heads.

"Then ask them what you can do to help."

He gave them a small smile and excused himself. Maera looked like she wanted to follow him, but he vanished before she could even take a step.

As Atticus reappeared outside, he began walking toward the back of the building.