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“A guardian stands between worlds.” Rivlan expands to encompass more of the room. “Mortal and divine. Given power by the gods but not bound by their limitations. Enhanced abilities, both magical and physical, far beyond what you’ve already mastered. With enough practice, you could protect on a scale no mortal has ever imagined.”

My pulse quickens. The same way the Guardian protects the portal between worlds? I could become that strong?

The real question is, would I want that much strength?

I try to picture everything I could do for Tirene, for all the kingdoms. The potential spins my head so much that I need to brace myself. I’ve survived a hundred soul-bashing things in my life. Lost so many people. Done so many horrible things. We may laugh now, but deep in my heart, I still feel like shit for what I put Lark through.

If I had been stronger back then…

With such power, I could protect Tirene from any threat. Ensure Lark never faces danger alone again.

I rein in my growing excitement. “And how would I achieve such exalted status? Let me guess, there’s only one small catch, right?”

“Just one.” Rivlan’s smile is almost gentle. “I would teach you. In return, you would need to be my champion.”

I scoff. One little catch, my ass.

Fucking gods. “Meaning?”

“It means you fight. For me. Against a champion for Zeru’s gods.” Rivlan’s form wavers as he shrugs.

Or maybe he hiccupped. Hard to tell.

There’s no way to keep the shock off my face. “Give me one good reason why I should oppose the God of the Heavens.”

Rivlan’s form eddies with what might be frustration or amusement. “Zeru wants to turn mortals into cowed beings afraid of their own shadows and begging for scraps of divine favor. Far worse than they are doing now.” His voice becomes stronger. “But an ancient covenant provides the means to avert such a thing. It only requires willing champions. Overall, it is a peaceful solution.”

The Devoted? Zeru wants to transform all humans into the Devoted?

Holy shit.

Rivlan pauses, his watery gaze fixed on me. “You can be that solution.”

Utter shock floods through me.

“Why me?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

“This is why I’ve been watching you. Testing you.” Rivlan drifts closer. “You’re already powerful. But trained to use guardian abilities? You would be unbeatable.”

The possibilities tug at me like an invisible current.

Power. Protection for those I love. An end to the chaos threatening my kingdom. Threatening every kingdom.

The allure is seductive.

Still, I’ve witnessed enough of the way gods work to know better.

There’s always a greater price. Consequences beyond what’s initially revealed. Agreeing now would be premature. Yet refusal might prove catastrophic.

I need time to consider, to investigate, to plan.

I move away from the water basin. “No offense, but I don’t think I want to get in the middle of a gods’ war.”

Rivlan’s focus stays riveted to me. “Clearly, you don’t understand what’s been happening. You are already in the middle of the war. All mortals are. But especially the Tirenese whom you hope to rule. Now you must decide what to do about it.”

Fuck. “Sounds interesting. Tell you what. I’ll think about it.”

Rivlan studies me for another long moment before dissolving into mist, leaving only the lingering scent of rain.