After dying from overwork, Elias wakes as an exiled S-class Guide. In the Black Tower, he must soothe four Sentinels whose minds are collapsing. Touch builds mental links, and links breed desire. Peyton toys with him. Kieran warns him away. Noah feels every touch through his Samoyed. Orion promises to bring him back. Elias learns the four are locked by the Central Tower—and he is the key. They want him back. The Black Tower offers a name. The four men offer a reason to stay.
