Shelby went to help him and I could suddenly see the mirror.
I could see the tall, imposing figure. The sight was enough to add weight to his words, so it was like a push. "Meredith, come to me."
He held his hand out to me, and I knew I should take his hand, knew it.
The hands and bodies of my men pressed on my shoulders, arms, and legs, keeping me in my chair. I hadn't meant to, but I must have tried to rise. I don't think I would have gone to Taranis, but... but... It was good that I had hands to hold me down.
Nelson was screaming, "He's so beautiful, so beautiful! I have to go to him! I have to go to him!"
The woman's struggles sent Cortez and Shelby crashing to the floor with her.
"Security." Doyle's deep voice seemed to cut through the hysteria.
"What?" Biggs said, blinking too rapidly.
"Call security," Doyle said. "Send for help."
Biggs nodded, again too rapidly, but he walked to the telephone on his desk.
Taranis's voice came like something shining and hard, as if words could be stones thrown against your skin. "Mr. Biggs, look upon me."
Biggs hesitated, his hand hovering over the phone.
"Keep her in her seat," Doyle said, then he let me go to walk toward Biggs.
"He is a monster, Biggs," Taranis said. "Do not let him touch you."
Biggs turned wide-eyed and stared at Doyle. He backed away, hands up as if to ward off a blow. "Oh, my God," he whispered. Whatever he saw when he looked at my handsome captain was not what was there.