“Part of the process of being taken into the cells is . . .” I took a deep breath. “You suffer the pain you’ve inflicted on others,” I said. “It was meant to get through to the most alien of beings, why they were being imprisoned. It’s not fair. It’s not meant for people. It could hurt you. But if I don’t do it, you’re going to die.” My brother forced his eyes open and tried to find me. “J . . . J . . .” “Justine,” I said. “I know. I’m on it.” He sobbed. That was all he had left in him. I stood away from him, leaving him within the light of the crystal.
