As Alister heard the strange human's words, a sharp, searing pain shot through his skull. His vision blurred, and he clutched his head with his right hand, his teeth gritted tightly. The words echoed in his mind, but this time they sounded different, as though spoken directly into his soul:
"Let's make a deal... What do you say?"
Alister's breath came in short bursts as the voice echoed. His knees shook as if the weight of the words was pulling him down.
"My Lord?" Mar'Garet's voice broke through the haze, her tone soft and filled with concern. "Are you alright?"
Alister heard her but didn't answer. His focus was entirely inward, his mind reeling from the mysterious presence that had invaded his thoughts.
'W-what was that just now?' he thought.
