He wraps his arms around Rhy, returning the embrace in equal measure. He has to stay strong; he can't let fear crumble him. He was chosen and he'll be saved. He can save the others, if they'll just listen to him. He just has to keep trying. He won't let down Erik, whose encouragements make him sure of his path, or Rhy, who shouldn't have to know so soon what it's like to lose a brother.

All of this thrums through him like a frantic heartbeat. All that holds him together is his conviction that this must be true, because if it isn't...

"I told you, I'm fine," Wilhelm says to himself as much as to Rhy. "I'll try to—"

That second, his concentration snaps and his purchase on the Horizon slips. He vanishes from Rhy's arms.