Page 46 of Dawn of Hope

It was so subtle, something you wouldn’t think was important. I’d assumed he was just upset about his dying father, but was this the artist’s way of telling others how to find Dawnlin?

It has to be.

Completely forgetting all the feelings from moments ago, I scan the water, looking for something more. The gold ripples fade before my eyes,and I wait, frantically looking for something else to happen, a next step that I need to follow in order to call the Guardian.

I lean over closer to the water, eyes searching for something, anything, when suddenly a hand clamps down on my shoulder.

I am not alone.

CHAPTER NINETEEN

Ascream tears from my throat as spin around, reaching for my dagger and yanking it from the sheath. A large cloaked figure stands before me. The brown fabric hood hangs low over the person’s face, casting shadows so I can’t see any defining features.

“W-who are you?” I stammer, pointing my dagger toward the figure. I may feel terrified on the inside, but I refuse to show it. I can defend myself, and I won’t be intimidated by this surprise attack.

“You called for me,” a deep voice answers.

A man, then.

“I didn’t call for you. Were you watching me? Are there others around?” I refuse to take my eyes off of him to check, which I know isn’t smart. There could be a threat approaching from anywhere, especially since he snuck up on me so easily. Brynne will be pissed if something happens to me.

“You did.” He gestures toward the fountain behind me. “Can you please lower your weapon?”

“No.”

“Did you not seek the Guardian of Dawnlin?”

Holy shit.

“It is you,” I say, my words barely a whisper.

The hood dips low in a nod, still concealing the person underneath.

A thrill courses through my body. I had done it. I found him.

Dawnlin isreal.

After all of my doubt and failure, this is actually happening. Edmond and Dane were right.

And now my mother has a chance.

Oh gods. What about Dane?

I hadn’t meant to actually call the Guardian tonight. I only wanted to find out how or get more information and find Dane tomorrow, so he could help his sister, too. Would he hate me if I did this without him? I don’t know how much time she has, he never said.

If I turn the Guardian away tonight, he might not answer the call tomorrow. Am I willing to risk my chance to find Dawnlin?

I think of my mother’s words to me, and the message from the healer.

This is my chance to save her. I won’t sacrifice it.

I hope that Dane’s sister will be alright for a little while longer, and I can find him and tell him once I return. Maybe he will have figured it out by then. He was here. He saw the same fountain days ago. If only he knew he was so close.

I slowly lower my dagger, sheathing it back in the waist of my trousers. My eyes flick around the alley, making sure there is no one else with us. When I see we are alone, I don’t hesitate and decide to trust him.

“Thank you,” I say quietly, “for answering my call.”

“It is my duty as the Guardian to answer the call of those who seek to find Dawnlin and the magic that is held there. Is that your wish?”