Page 101 of Requiem of Silence

“But how can giving up fear be a sacrifice?” she asked.

“Because it is precious to you.”

“But I’m not afraid on purpose. It just… is.”

He sat back on his cushion. “Do you breathe on purpose? Doyou manually pump the blood through your veins? How is a sacrifice of blood or life any different?”

She shook her head, still perplexed.

“Does your fear make your life better and happier?” Gilmer asked.

She looked down to her lap.

“No?” he continued. “Then why have you not given it up before? Why have you allowed it to push your steps for eighteen years?”

“But I’m not in control of it,” she pleaded.

“Aren’t you?” Gilmer raised a brow. Beside him, Yllis frowned.

Zeli’s mind raced as she tried to wrap it around what Gilmer was saying. “But how do I get rid of it? How can I sacrifice my fear?”

“You let it go.” He held his hands up, wiggling his fingers slightly.

She pressed her lips together in frustration. “That’s—it doesn’t work like that.”

“Doesn’t it?”

The man was maddening. “You yourself said that human hearts are stubborn.”

“Yes, I did.” Gilmer’s eyes glittered as he leaned forward. “That is precisely why it’s a sacrifice. Because it is hard to do. Wouldn’t slicing your palm be easier? We believe our fears keep us safe—and it’s true they can warn us of danger, help us avoid an imminent attack. But you are not under attack every moment of every day.

“Your fear is not what gives you courage, your bravery exists outside of it. Certainly, you were brave to come here and seek aid for your people. But you did this inspiteof your fear, not because of it. Imagine what you could do if you let it go. You would be unleashed.”

His voice held the promise of a wonderful world just on the edge of her grasp. It was one she wanted so desperately to reach.

Lay down your burdens,the acolyte standing on the corner had said.Rest your weary shoulders.She was tired of being constantly afraid. She wanted something else for herself.

Something within her shifted. She felt it loosen and break free just as the backs of her eyes began to sting. “I want that. I want to let it go.”

Gilmer smiled and it was full of warmth and love. In that moment, she completely understood why he would be worshipped. “Good. Then I have much to teach you.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

Go

forward

beyond

above.

If motivation grips you, keep moving.

Never stop.

—THE HARMONY OF BEING

Kyara had stayed behind in the training space long after the others left. She was enjoying finally being able to wield her power with some dexterity. The wraith-like apparitions seemed to dissolve under the force of her wildcat avatar’s jaws.

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