Journey’s end. The promise. The hope.

A place of staying.

But it is still not in sight and the night is cold.

Come out of the darkness, girl.

Come out where I can see you.

I have something for you.

I hold her back, shaking my head.

Her heart flutters beneath my hand.

He promises rest. He promises food.

And she is both tired and hungry.

Come out.

But she knows his tricks and stays at my side.

The darkness is all we have to keep us safe.

—The Last Testaments of Gaudrel