“I don’t want to do this,” I whispered as he took my hands and placed them on either side of his head. Involuntarily, I entangled my fingers in his dark, curly hair. It was like I couldn’t resist this small touch. He smiled and covered my hands with his as if to keep my hands where they were; as if I had the willpower to move them. I shut my eyes: trying to block out everything. Maybe if I couldn’t see them, they’d go away.

“You have to. Besides, I’m sure it doesn’t hurt as much as you say. You’re kind of a wuss, remember?” His light tone hurt my ears. How could he joke about this? I could sense General Darth and Leki watching on the side. I knew Darth’s hand rested on his sword: I could taste his reluctance in the air and men always assumed violence could fix everything. Leki was nothing but sympathetic and concerned for me.

“Maya.” At the sound of Avery’s voice, I looked up. His eyes burned into mine, determined and catching me off guard. So I did what I had to: what he wanted.

I dove into his mind.