Pierced Heart

Kieran dreaded a development like this, but not exactly how it transpired.

Due to having a broad understanding of the Flame's temperament, he thought it would likely destroy him in a fit of rage. The idea of the Flame directly controlling his body, or at least influencing the relationship between thought and action, slipped his mind. 

It was a lapse in judgment on his part. 

After all, he had ended up in the Darkness Below with zero recollection of ever traveling here. Aside from him, only one other entity in his mind could mount enough control to make him act unknowingly — the Flame.

'Damn it all! …Release me!'

Kieran snarled in his mind, Will flaring in an attempt to complete his footfall. Yet, it remained suspended in the air, bashing against an ironclad authority he could do precious little against.

What he faced couldn't even be called an impasse.