If that’s the real reason he insisted on coming with me, his presence a physical reminder of what actually respecting me as aperson,not just an asset, looks like.
“I would love to meet other sages,” I say easily. “I’ve heard there are many of us.”
Zan stills beside me. I don’t actually know how his telepathy works, but I will him to sense my assurance.
I meant what I said. I’mnotleaving him.
Eraya smiles. “Somany of us! And you never have to worry about accidentally hurting anyone, or being out of control. The priests take care of that for all of us. It looks like you’ve learned some katas, so you might be able to give back even more. And that’s why we have this power, isn’t it? To help people.”
“It is,” I agree, not letting her see how nauseous her words are making me. “And I intend to.”
“So you’ll come! Then, let’s—”
“Oh, no,” I say. “I’m staying here. But if any sages want to visit—Celestial Sanctuary Temple used to exist for training sages to manage their own power, did you know? Perhaps—”
Eraya’s smile dims. “You can’t help people on your own. You’ll always be a bigger danger to them, even other sages. You know that, right? That’s why you’re all the way up here.”
Well that was a direct hit.
And makes it as plain as can be that she’s not trying to escape them.
I already know the answer, but it’s past timeIdirected this conversation for my benefit, not theirs. So very deliberately not looking at the priest in red, I ask her, “What would the priests have me do, do you think?”
“You don’t have to do anything,” Eraya assures me, as if this isn’t exactly the trap. “You’ll be comfortable, and safe, and cared for. You never have to worry again about managing on your own. The Quiet is no more—there’s nothing to hold you here.”
No, I suppose not.
Nothing but a basket of blackberries I picked myself, and an ice cream maker waiting for me.
Nothing but a young sage who needs my help.
Nothing but a dragon who sees me truly, the way no one else ever has.
Wrath is more powerful with clarity, and Eraya has duly provided it.
I understand very well what they want from me.
I understand better than her.
What I don’t know is what to do about it.
How do you convince someone who believes they’re trying to help that they’re in fact hurting not only you, but themselves?
Especially when it’s what they believe of you?
If you can’t convince them, how do you make them stop?
Eraya is waiting on my answer.
So is Zan.
And, I know, the red priest, who is watching this exchange like a predator.
Still.
Still, while my wrath does not control me, it empowers me.
It is my nature to take a stand.
