The jolt that goes through Johnny echoes through Rashad, sharp and bitter and overwhelming. As it has been for him since his encounter with the imposter, he has no choice but to accept it into him, and this time there is not enough surrounding din of other mortals to wash it out into the background. The look he gives Johnny at close quarters is one of wide-eyed horror.

His hand spasms, gripping tighter for a moment as the principles of its operations escape him. He lets go after what seems an eternity, fire snuffing out entirely in the same instant and plunging them back into darkness.

"That was foolish," comments Janan blandly.