Page 132 of Reflections of Peonies
We weren’t the same. I was myself—Damen had said so. It didn’t matter that I was Mu’s reincarnation; I was stillme. And I wasn’t strong enough to—
“Yes, you’re uniquely Bianca, with your own experiences and choices,” Mu said. Somehow, I could almost visualize him. He probably looked like aLord of the Ringself—all regal and beautiful. Possibly all-knowing and wise.
What a pretentious jerk.
“However, as a Wood Xing, you also carry the collective wisdom and potential of your ancestors,” he continued, ignoring my thoughts. “You’re both an individual and part of a greater lineage.”
“That’s stupid…” I muttered. “And extremely confusing.”
“Focus,” he demanded, and the scene shifted.
I blinked, studying the new space that surrounded me.
This was most likely Mu’s doing, too. It was stereotypical that such an individual would have a propensity for fairyland forests—the mossier, the better.
Then my vision cleared, and he stood in front of me.
Was he wearing an actual crown? And what were those billowing clothes? They were green, with what appeared to be golden, leaf-patterned trim along the hems. But even more important was the length of his hair.
How could one even brush such insanity?
“You’ve come to claim your birthright,” he declared, lifting his hand.
Ah, so he was a drama queen. I was not surprised.
I glanced down at myself—I’d been cloaked in the same ridiculous outfit, except it was swimming on me. But that was far from a concern. It wasn’t like I wanted to wear this stupid thing anyway.
“I’m okay without it.” I frowned. I would be more than happy to be hidden in obscurity forever and stuck in a fake marriage with my brother.
“The path before you is not optional,” Mu said, returning his hand to his side. “One of the hardest things is to be idle and watch everyone falter. The others need us if they are to succeed.”
Darn it. My shoulders dropped as the argument fell from me.
“They are pretty clueless,” I grumbled, remembering Damen’s many terrible plans. Then, my mind drifted to Bryce, who required so much guidance. And Miles…
Poor Miles. He desperately needed someone to nudge him to be his best self.
Yet, doubt filled me, causing my chest to ache.
“I can’t help anyone.” I looked at Mu. There were so many reasons why. “I’m damaged. I’m not brave enough.”
Also, if Mu was me and I was him. If he’d been here the whole time…
Then I couldn’t trust him.
“Why didn’t you help?” I asked.
I had so much packed into that question I was afraid he’d not understand. But I didn’t need to explain further. He frowned and lowered his head, signifying that he knew exactly what I was talking about.
“Why didn’t you just take over, or whatever you did when Ifought Daniel Cole?” I accused. “You could have saved me, and now I’m all messed up.”
“You areyou,” he repeated in that sage-like way that made me want to punch him in the face. “In each life, our purpose is to guide except only in dire circumstances. We are one. Our essence is yours, but the choices are your own.”
“But—” That still didn’t make sense.
“You know what happened when we fought the witch.” Mu tilted his head, studying me. “Have you considered sharing this with the others?”
“Share what?” I snapped.
