a powerful urge to give in

A mysterious relic of vital importance draws Alexander and Vivek into the open, and into the path of the one hunting them.

Written by Rebecca Levene.

Scenes

Scene summaries may contain spoilers
1
Alexander sarcastically narrates what your guide would say – you're at the North California Ethnographic museum to find the Tarxien mask, and James is very close. James's mind is like a film of oil over Alexander's thoughts. The Tarxien mask was found in a neolithic temple on Malta and is a catalyst for... something that can't easily be expressed.
2
There's no movement in the visitor centre, but James is close so you have to risk it. Vivek and Alexander find a map with the location of the mask. But there is no time to sightsee – James is at the front gate.
3
Vivek sees a trail of blood on Alexander's leg; his stitches have torn open. Alexander is focusing on keeping James out of his mind but he still gets flashes. James doesn't know where you are, not yet. They talk about the ritualisation of the hunt, the dualities. In the earliest stories, human becomes animal, and animal becomes human without boundaries. Alexander disagrees with the curator of the exhibit, who believed in progress from polytheism to monotheism. You reach the exhibit, only to find that the Tarxien mask had been moved and the exhibit containing it is at the far end of the grounds.
4
You'll be exposed as you head to the exhibit, but Alexander thinks that James is still in a distant part of the museum. You pass through displays of totem poles from the Northwest Coast that have seen so many hunts before. You enter the exhibit and find the mask – a bird's head with purple and blue feathers, and Alexander feels as though it is humming. Alexander breaks the glass and reaches for the mask, but it seems to overwhelm him with connections to the others who share minds. Vivek manages to get Alexander back to himself, but he realises that James tricked him. He isn't in the neanderthal exhibit – he's nearby!
5
Alexander is running scared – you need to guide him! A 60-foot long canoe hangs below. You can see James at ground level. He's in Alexander's mind and can read his thoughts. He and Vivek jump onto the canoe. James says that Alexander was the cleverest of the sensitives, and almost the most powerful – but James is more powerful still. Alexander doesn't notice the fire axe nearby, but you do. They jump away, and Alexander grabs the axe to hack at the rope holding the canoe. James leaps onto the canoe, and Vivek cuts the rope. Is James dead? Doesn't matter. Run!
6
The sun is setting as you leave. Alexander can't feel James, but that doesn't mean anything. Vivek worries that what James said about the tree lying might be true, but Alexander says that it feels benign and caring. They head into the forest, listening for the sound of footsteps. A snake lunges for Alexander – rears for him, mouth dripping venom – and Alexander runs, his leg bleeding. And then the fear is gone. James had planted that horror in his mind, and now he is lost and alone. James is coming for him.

Credits

Cast listings may contain spoilers
Crew
Writer
Naomi Alderman, Ishmael Hope & Rebecca Levene
Director
Ella Watts
Sound Designer
Matt Part
Series Created By
Naomi Alderman