Up until this moment, Malin had not given it much thought. He knew his power was dangerous, but he had never considered that danger itself could also mean responsibility. A heavy one. One that might place the lives of many in peril. His blood alone was already a curse, and now with this new power awakening, it spelled nothing but trouble.
He lifted his gaze to Rhaegal.
"Why does everything have to be so difficult?" he asked quietly.
"Because life itself is difficult, Malin," Rhaegal replied. "We must be more cautious than ever. Your power will be feared, resented… perhaps even hated." His voice faltered, and his brow creased with frustration.
Malin noticed it instantly. "What is it, my lord?"
Rhaegal let out a sigh, heavy and reluctant. "I was close, this close to uncovering the truth about your origin. But…" He shook his head. "It seems someone has gone to great lengths to bury it. Someone who may already know you exist."
