Page 31 of The Shattered Rite
I am not a babysitter,he said, and when she opened her mouth, he added,and you are not a child. You are the rider the gods named. If you cannot believe in yourself, then believe in what they saw—the future they set in motion. It will not matter if you doubt, so long as you move toward it.
Her breath caught. “That’s… a lot of faith to ask for.”
Faith is not given. It is built. And I will build it with you.
She managed a small smile. “Guardian, then. Mentor. Overly dramatic, scaly life coach.”
A long silence. Then:I accept guardian.
She blinked, then barked a laugh. “Oh. So you do have a sense of humor.”
No.
“Liar.”
Another pause. His voice shifted, lower. Closer.
You really are afraid.
“I—” Her breath caught. “Yeah.”
Good.
She froze. “Excuse me?”
Fear will keep you alive.
She stared at nothing, then let out a broken sound halfway between a laugh and a sob. “Oh, you’re a joy.”
I am honest.
“Sure. Honest. Terrifying. A little judgy.”
You walk into walls.
“That was one time.”
It was four times.
She laughed again. It cracked this time. “Have we established that I'm going blind? You don't have to rub it in.”
Well, now you are bonded.His voice softened, like stone crumbling. So at leastyou are not alone.
Her breath hitched.
“Even if I trip over my own feet?”
Especially then.
She wiped her cheek with the back of her hand, managing a whisper. “Guess you’re stuck with me.”
She rose to her feet, body aching but steadier than she expected. Her sight blurred, light bleeding where it shouldn’t. She reached out instinctively, finding the curve of his snout.
He bent to her touch. His breath washed warm across her face.
We walk to the surface now.
She hesitated. “And after that?”
