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Stand tall in adversity and hold steadfast to truth amidst the lies, for courage isn’t freely given but earned by facing the battle head on.
“Music has a way of healing the shattered pieces hidden inside us. With each note, it mends the jagged edges of our soul, filling the crevices with a harmony no words can describe. The melody spreads a soothing balm to suppress our aches, frustration, and emptiness and replaces it with a symphony that allows our soul to take flight. Now, close your eyes and listen. Surrender to the rhythm pulsing under your skin—" My eyes fluttered closed. “—and let the music set you free.”
“I said I’d protect you, little sparrow, and I will.”
“Or I was made how I was made.” He narrowed his eyes, straining against his cuff. “Nothing’s set in stone, little sparrow. Perhaps I just need a little motivation for change.”
Trust was like a snowflake, a beautiful fragile crystal. Each one unique and rare, but if it broke, it was impossible to put back together.
“You want to help me?” “I meant what I said. I won’t let anyone hurt you, little sparrow.”
There was something about him, like a wild animal lost and alone. He lashed out because that was all he knew how to do. But when I showed him kindness, he responded in kind.
“I remind you of a bird?” I wrinkled my nose. “You’re terrible at compliments.”
“Sadness isn’t weakness. In fact, some would say it’s a strength because it’s one step closer to empathy.
Well, the point is that it isn’t Ruah’s fault for the terrible things in the world. Sometimes it can feel like we’re cursed, but we do have a choice to make: good or bad.”
“Hate me?” His breath caressed my cheek. My eyes flicked to his before the meek word sighed from my lips. It was better this way. Safer. “Yes.” His hand flinched on my spine. “Prove it.”
“You can’t kiss me and then run away.”
“When I kiss you, I don’t want there to be confusion of who I’m kissing. No more magic.” His thumb traced my bottom lip, and I tried not to wince when he rubbed over my cut. “I want to see you—not your disguise.”
If I couldn’t kiss him . . . I at least wanted to savor all the delicious sensations that coursed through me at his nearness.
Was that what love meant? Sacrificing yourself for the sake of someone else?
“I wish you didn’t have to use your glamour again. These lips were meant to be kissed.”
“Then what’s this thing between us?” he whispered. “I’ve never felt it before.”
“Oh, no,” he said dramatically, pointing at the single bed on the floor. “What?” “Since there’s only one bed, it appears we’re destined to share it. How ungentlemanly of me, but there seems to be no other choice.”
“No more stabbing people. Promise?” He sucked in a breath. “I can’t. If it’s between your life and someone else’s—I’m always going to pick you. But I’m willing to not stab anyone if they’re not threatening you . . . unless you want me to.” I mean . . . that is progress.
You opened my eyes and made me feel things I didn’t understand . . . sometimes I still don’t. But I want to. So I can keep listening to music only you can sing into my soul, the melody that healed me in ways no other has.”
My eyes widened as he tucked his borrowed daggers into the sheaths strapped across his torso. “Do you need all of those?” “I’d like more . . . but this was all they had on hand.”
