Requisite for right.

Tic stared with a daze, heart stampeding madly. Millions of fears came at once, but slowed when she had smiled at him, when Miraye had finally made herself clear; she was real and she was here. No doubt had come across his thoughts as she spoke the truth; it was corruption and greed at their worst, tread with desire. The power that reigned far above seemed to weaken, and with the knowing of her words, Tic felt assured.

A stirring grew in his mind, dizzying into a faint, but he ignored their holds. The deceptive hand had its fingers tight around him, too, unwilling to release the secrets he held. Tic let his glance flash up, alert with knowing, to look to his sides. Nothing there to rescue him from Larkin, he saw -- and nothing to stop what needed to be done. The silver glint of deathly needles stung at his eye, but he knew their threat wouldn't be put on him -- he was much too needed, he suddenly realized.

He let his eyes fall back to the clutched arm, quickly looking over the white hand. And before he knew again why, he let his arm begin to slide. It moved gently, to go unnoticed; to escape Larkin's presence, and join Miraye in her cause.