“How?”

“Give him something no one else can.” Her big eyes gleam with excitement. “Your humanity. Your warmth. Your willingness to see him as more than just a monster.”

I think of Aerix’s wings unfurling around me, of the vulnerability in his eyes when I touched the base of them. Of the story he told me about Kallista, and the pain that lingers in his voice when he speaks of betrayal.

“I already know he’s not a monster,” I whisper, my heart racing. “He never was.”

“Then you’re already halfway there.” She picks up her book from the table, regal and composed. “The rest is just commitment to the path you’ve chosen.”

As she leaves, I know she’s right. My feelings for Aerix aren’t just a game anymore. I don’t know if they everwerea game.

Because I want him. I wantallof this.

And I’ll take everything he has to give me. Because when I’m done, Aerix won’t just want me. He’ll need me, like I need him.

And I’ll never be powerless ever again.