Corin stood off to the side, saying nothing, looking at no one. You were right, Ariya. It would never have been okay to let them die.
I know. Let’s go, okay? This whole coup…maybe the gamemakers didn’t have a chance to get to your friends.
But maybe they did.
For the first time since Corin had been captured, he saw his spren. Faintly blue, dressed like a street kid. Her hair had streaks of darker blue, almost purple. What do I do if they’re gone? Is it even worth trying if they’re dead?
There are Words, Corin. Words you can say.
“I know,” he whispered. “But I’m afraid to say them.”
Why?
Because…because it felt like admitting that it was okay to let them die. Because it felt like admitting that they were gone. Because he had accepted the bond with Ariya for them, and he refused to believe that they were just more people for him to protect.
The Words help, Corin.
But what if they don’t?
You don’t have to say them now, Ariya murmured, meeting his eyes. Just promise me you aren’t giving up.
Corin didn’t reply, instead looking at the ground.