Xandar and Greg shared their thoughts with Pellethia, who was more than ready to see it in action. Practice began. When they felt the mental walls beginning to build up, both cousins closed their darkening eyes, letting the manipulation guide them towards the illusion they were being made to see. Pellethia moved from her original spot, walking around them but being careful to manipulate the cousins’ hearing so that they couldn’t hear her footsteps.

Without sight, Xandar and his animal could only rely on their sense of smell, sound and touch. Their ears picked up growls from at least ten creatures, but their nose only detected two creatures within his...