I hesitated to use weapons against my own companions, but I saw no other option. I charged up the stun rod, and as soon as the device was ready I pressed it against Misham’s back and pushed the button.

Misham convulsed and collapsed, free from the blue lights’ influence at last. Quickly I turned to do the same for Jana, but not before one of the blue lights drifted over above our boat and paused in the air.

Then it turned red.

Before I could react, Misham stood back up, took ahold of me, and despite my best efforts brought me to the deck railing.

As the floating orb watched me sink into the dark, icy waters with Misham, it blinked once and turned blue once more.