Dimirti was conflicted. Everything felt wrong. All of the things he had been taught by his father and the entire culture of the palace seemed wrong. He didn't want to kill anyone. He wanted to stay loyal to his friend. To Cindie. On the other hand, Dimitri wanted to please his father. His father had never loved him. If Dimitri saved his throne, maybe he would love and honor him. The world felt upside down.

"Dimitri?" asked Cindie cautiously.

"Um, yes?" he responded.

"Are you okay?" she asked gently.

"Just tired," Dimitri sighed.

"Maybe we can stop soon," said Cindie.

"Nope, we have to push on until dark," yelled Atlas ahead of them.

"Great," groaned Alana.

Dimitri sighed but said nothing. Cindie walked quietly next to him. Cindie was reminded that Dimitri liked to go on walks in the woods when they were kids. She would talk to the animals and Dimitri would watch and get a break from the palace. Dimitri wished everything was as simple as it was back then.

But it was not. Now he has to kill one of Cindie's friends. If Dimitri kills someone his father will be pleased and maybe he can save Cindie. He swore not to harm Italzi but he purposely didn't swear to not hurt someone else. Dimitri didn't want to kill Immi. Immi was sweet and Dimitri felt sort of attached after saving her. And the odds of Dimitri winning a fight against Atlas wer slim to none. 

The only person left was Alana. Alana had been nice but she was Dimitri's only option. As he studied her, he found she was weak and naive. Perfect. 

He silently swore to himself that he would kill Alana Carwell. No one would know what hit them.