“And K?” Sy asked quietly.
My breath caught.
“K was once my whole world. The sun rose and set for me behind his eyes.”
“And you no longer trust him?”
“How can I?” I whispered. “He left me to be tortured for years. He loved my sister, not me.”
Sy’s aura stirred, warm and steady.
“No one fought for you. And yet you would fight for this… roommate? This not-friend?”
I peered at him, trying to read his expression. “I’d fight for herbecauseno one fought for me. No one tried, Sy. My whole life. No one but Sable—and she died. And even before then, she left. She was gone.”
I took a shaky breath.
“So if there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the world does not define me. I must define myself. Even if Jess doesn’t appreciate it—even if she doesn’t appreciate me—I know a truth. One that could help her. And so I will.”
“You have a good heart, Seph.”
I laughed softly. “I wouldn’t call it that. It’s more like… why should I become what they made me? Why should I give my father the satisfaction? He called me a monster—they all did. And part of me wants to spite him, I guess.”
“And the other part?” Sy asked gently.
“Wants to live,” I whispered. “Properly. Freely. For the first time. And that means being the true me. Whoever that is.”
My gaze drifted to his hand—where mine had rested.
“Even if the only person I ever get to touch,” I said quietly, “is a centuries-old dragon.”
Sy watched me carefully, and something softened in his eyes.
“This power you hold,” he said quietly. “You do not let it define you. It is a part of you—like flesh.”
“Yes,” I breathed.
“When you reach to pick up a slice of bread. Or a cake.”
“Yes?” I frowned, unsure.
“You use your fingers, correct? You direct them to the item you require, and you retrieve it. Why not use your power the same way?”
“For one… I don’t know how.”
“I could teach you, if you like.”
My heart skipped a beat. “Really? You would do that for me?”
“I am your guardian, little one.” His voice was soft, warm—almost reverent. “I would do anything for you.”
Excitement raced through me. “I would love that.”
Sy watched me, something uncertain flickering in his gaze—like even he was surprised by his own offer.
“Come to me in the evening tomorrow. To the cave. We will start there.”
“How will I find it? I never do when I look for it.”
