The mindscape opened up in front of her, and already Karla knew this was going to be brutal. The cold, calculating expression on the creatures' faces as they watched Tahiri with clinical detachment. She took the mental side step required to free part of her consciousness and stepped into the mindscape behind Tahiri. She'd promised the girl that she wouldn't leave her alone, hadn't she?

"I'm here," she said softly. "You're not alone. This is not happening to you again."