Nomi, at my other side, supports Eraya. “Everyone here is willing, Yora. Do your worst.”
Oh, I’ll do more than that.
I’ll do mybest.
I take the wrath inside me and all around me, and I focus it, and I use it.
The shield ripples again with power...
And then vanishes.
Mujin wastes no time, unleashing another blast at the shield...
That also vanishes.
Because my shield isn’t gone, actually.
It’s smarter.
I grin at him ferally. “Oh, you’re going tohatethis.”
Epilogue
AndthenIwaitfor him to ask.
Because yes, I am that petty.
Mujin has been trying to kill Zan specifically foryears. Any extra chance to rub defeat in his face, I’m absolutely taking.
I am achampiongrudge-bearer, and I’m not sorry.
The ragged priests try various sensory katas, trying to figure out what I’ve done, but they’re not going to succeed, because no one has ever made something like this before.
Mujin’s face might as well be hewn from rock from how tense it is when he finally bites out, “What have you done.”
“I’m so glad you asked.”
I feel Zan’s amusement through our bond and decide fuck it, I’m going to smirk for all I’m worth.
I fuckingdidit.
“This island is now a sanctuary in truth,” I announce loudly. “No one may enter without permission.”
No magic suppression. It’s not a dampening field.
This time, itisa shield.
But—
Mujin sneers. “For all your claims about the heresy of sages involved in secular politics, nowyouwill decide—”
“Oh no, not me. Sages live to serve, of course.” I smile widely and point at Nomi. “She does.”
Nomi stares at me.
Then dawning realization as she draws the talisman of Zan’s scales out of her shirt.
The role of the guardian isn’t one of shadows anymore.
