The Crown of Gilded Bones (Blood and..

“You know I will never stop you from defending yourself
—from picking up a sword or bow and fighting,” he said,
coming forward. I held my ground. “But I also won’t let you
walk right into a trap, arms open.”
“And if it is a trap, do you think I will just give up and
say ‘You got me?’” I challenged. “You said it yourself. I can
defend myself. I will not let anyone take you or me, and
based on what I can do, I’m confident I can ensure that.”
“You were really hesitant about using your power not
that long ago,” he reminded me. “You changed your mind?”
“Yes!” And I had, without a doubt. “I would use
everything in me to make sure that I and those I love aren’t
taken again by the Ascended.”
“That is a relief to hear,” he said.
“Well, I’m glad you’re relieved. If you’re not trying to
stop me, then why are we even having this discussion?”
“All I am trying to suggest is that you hold back until we
make sure it’s safe for you—”
“No.” I waved a hand, cutting him off. “Not going to
happen. I’m not staying back. Would you if this were your
brother?” I demanded. “Would those risks outweigh your
need to go to him, and would you stand back?”
He dropped his head back, inhaling sharply. A long
moment passed. “No, those risks would not outweigh my
need.”
“Then why are you trying to stop me?” I honestly didn’t
know why he was being like this. “You of all people should
understand.”
“I do.” He reached out, curving his hands around my
shoulders. A static charge of energy passed from his skin to
mine. “I told you that I believed Ian had Ascended, but deep
down, you hadn’t accepted that, and I understood why. You
needed to believe that there was still a chance that he was
mortal or like you.”
The air I breathed stung. I couldn’t deny anything he’d
said. “What does that have to do with this?”