“Emma, please. Don’t make this harder than it already is. You know that your life is in danger. Come with me to my master, he will protect us.”

Emma shook her head.

“If he cared, there wouldn’t be coercion.”

“It’s because he cares, that there is coercion. You are stubborn; everyone knows that. But this isn’t a time for your stubbornness or for your relentless ego. The balance of the world is at stake, and will completely crumble if you are in the wrong hands. We can’t take chances. And that’s why coercion is an option-should in case you are not aware of the fate in your hands, we will...