Alix ran.

She ran and ran and ran, as far she could, away from her friends, away from that book, away from Miraak.

Finally she could run no more and slumped to the ground, sobbing.

No, no, no, no, no! This isn't real, this is a nightmare. I'll wake up. I'll wake up! Let me wake up! LET ME WAKE UP!

---------------------------------

"A young, tender heart, shattered to pieces by a sudden tragedy. A perfect victim for my akuma!"

A white butterfly and feather landed in each gloved hand. Energy swirled around them, and then the two were flying out the window, now black-and-purple and dark blue respectively.

"Go my akuma and amok, and evilize her!"

---------------------------------

"Alix?"

A deep voice rumbled above her. She opened one eye and glanced up. It was Strunsahtiid. A scaly, clawed thumb gently brushed away her tears.

After a long while, her crying died down. She looked up at the white dragon. An unusually soft, concerned look crossed his face.

"Can you tell me what happened after you read that book?"

"I... I-I found myself in this place with a green sky that was full of books. This man in a mask and green robes was talking to these tentacle creatures. When he saw me he shot lightning at me. He said I was Dragonborn and that I had no idea of the power I could wield. He said that he was going to return to Earth and that even the Miraculous holders wouldn't be able to stop him."

She swallowed against the lump in her throat.

"He kidnapped my dad and Jalil and he told me that if I returned to... that place in three months and killed him, then I could get my family back. Then he sent me back..."

Alix looked around, suddenly realizing that her friends were here.

"Alix, I'll ask my parents if you can stay at our place," Marinette said, already dialing someone. She put the phone to her ear and spoke in a low, urgent voice to... whoever was on the other end of the call.

After a bit, Marinette hung up and said, "They said you could stay as long as you need."

"O-Okay... c-can I go with you now?"

"Sure."

Marinette pulled Alix to her feet and was about to lead her to the bakery when Rose screamed.

"Akuma!"

She pointed at a butterfly charged with dark energy, closely followed by a blue feather.

Strunsahtiid turned to the akuma and amok and bellowed, "Gol Hah Dov!"

A mass of glowing yellow magic burst from his mouth and struck the butterfly and feather, instantly purifying both.

Alya stared bewildered at the white dragon. "What... how... ?"

"Bend Will is useful for more than just mind control, little one. It was once used to cleanse the All-Maker stones corrupted by Miraak."