"For your next paper," Tomlinson said, "select a guardian mythology and analyze the cost of protection. What does the guardian give up? What do they receive in return? Is the exchange equitable, or is it exploitation dressed up as honor?"
Ivy leaned over. "Did he just assign us an essay on whether being a hero is actually worth it?"
"I think he did."
"I like this unit already."
The lecture continued—Tomlinson discussing different cultural interpretations, the way guardian myths evolved over time, the distinction between chosen protectors and those who had the role thrust upon them.
I took notes, but my mind kept drifting.
What happens to the guardian when there's nothing left to protect against?
What happened to Stone when the mountain was no longer a threat? When survival wasn't enough to justify staying lost?
When class ended, Ivy gathered her things quickly. "I've got to run—meeting with my advisor. See you at dinner?"
"Maybe. I'm going to check on Stone first."
She nodded, squeezed my arm, and disappeared.
James stayed.
"I'll walk you to the Healing Center," he said.
We were halfway across the quad when Cole appeared.
He stepped out of the administration building, saw us, and changed direction. Within moments, he was blocking our path.
I noticed his forearms first. Sleeves rolled to the elbow, muscle shifting as he moved. Then his jaw—stubbled, tight. He was big. I noticed that every time, the sheer size of him, and something in me responded to it whether I wanted it to or not.
"Miss Orlav." His voice was low. It rolled through me, settled somewhere deep. "I need to schedule your portion of the security assessment."
James's hand tightened on mine—not possessive, just alert.
"Day after tomorrow?" I suggested. "Before class?"
"I'll meet you at the east entrance."
His eyes found mine. Held. Then dropped—just for a second—to my mouth.
My breath caught.
When his gaze came back up, something flickered there. Heat, maybe. Or restraint. Both.
"The protocols are working well." His voice had roughened. "Stone's stability has improved measurably."
I caught his scent. My body wanted to lean closer. Close the distance. I stayed where I was.
His hands were in his pockets. Keeping them there on purpose, I thought. Keeping himself contained.
"He almost shifted this morning. A staff member startled him."
"I know. I review the incident reports." His jaw flexed. "The recovery trajectory is still promising. Even with setbacks."
Silence stretched between us. The bond tugged—that pull toward Cole I still hadn't told anyone about.
His eyes held mine a beat too long. His throat moved as he swallowed.
