"The one who speaks in all of our ears." Deciding to be thoughtful and indicate her meaning directly, River pointed at the intercom speaker. "He calls us and herds us like sheep. And sometimes-"

River covered her mouth with her hand, suddenly recoiling so violently that she almost fell back. It was always lurking, always waiting to pounce upon unsuspecting prey. He was in her head now, and it didn't seem as though he planned on leaving.

"I'm sorry. I'm sorry," she muttered, gripping the edge of the table so tightly that her knuckles were turning white. Her eyes were watery, darting all around the room before focusing on Valyn again. They pleaded with him.

"I don't ever make any sense. I don't. I'm sorry."