He kneeled in the middle of the large circle, and took a few shuddering breaths. He extended the index finger of his left hand above the symbol of the Eye and drew the needle close to the fingertip; he brushed against it, barely touching it, then moved the needle away. Adrien closed his eyes and tried to breathe, but the pounding of his heart would not allow him respite. He opened his eyes again; he looked at the needle - and for a moment, he saw nothing but its sheen, moving faintly as the light of the torches danced around - and within his mind, all thoughts blended and found no shape beyond that of his pain and of his wish to end it.