As the dim light from the lanterns outsider flickered to reveal his face, my body froze with shock. Even in the harsh lighting, his hazel eyes pierced through. 

Rian was here. 

Or was he? Was this just one of the king's mind games? Is this even Rian? 

As he took a step towards me, I instinctively shirked against the wall. He winced and stopped, noticing my reaction. 

"Van? What's wrong?"  His voice was soft. 

"How do I even know you're the real Rian Deosa?" 

He shook his head in disbelief. "Van, what? What does that even mean?" 

I refused to let my guard down. "After the things I've witnessed here, it hardly seems impossible that the king has somehow magicked a fake Rian." 

He let out a sigh of frustration. "Okay, if I wasn't Rian, would I know about that time when you fell off a boulder when you were nine, during an intense game of tag? Would I know about the crush you had on Steve Connors when you were ten? Would I know about the funeral you held for that bird with the broken wing that you accidentally stepped on?" 

Before he could continue, I launched myself into his arms. "Rian! It's really you! Oh my god! I can't believe you're really here!"

Tick tock, Savannah. Your time is running out. Surely someone has noticed Rian's arrival. 

For once, the queen seems to be right. 

"Rian, we have to leave now" I yanked him towards the door, but he refused to budge. 

He pulled his arm away from me."I'm sorry Van, but my instructions were clear. You are not to leave this cell." His eyes refused to meet mine. 

Betrayal hit me like a freight train. "I'm sorry what? You aren't going to help me escape? So what, you just came here to gloat?" I couldn't stop the hysteria from rising into my voice. "Rian Deosa, get me out of here this instant!" 

"I'm sorry, but my instructions come from someone higher up than you, Van" He shuffled nervously. "I just needed to see you to make sure you were okay. But now I must leave" His voice was stern as he added, "without you" 

And with that, he left. 

I know what you must feel now, but be patient. There are things more important than you. You must trust me. 

I'm sorry, but who are you to tell me anything? Why are you even in my head? Get out of it! Get out right now! 

I'm afraid I can't do that. Unlike your friend, I'm here to stay for a while.