Flashback ( PDFDrive )

But darkness is vital—and not because it teaches us to appreciate the
light. It’s part of everything we know, and we’ve only begun to harness
its potential. And if shadowflux respects you, that is significant. I won’t
call it a gift, because it may very well end up a burden, as is so often
the case when it comes to immense power. But it’s important—and if I
had any worries about your ability to handle it, I would never offer to
teach you.”
Tam pulled away, blowing out a breath hard enough to ruffle his
bangs. “This is how you feel all the time, huh?” he asked Sophie.
“If you mean the sense that you’re about to agree to something
that’ll probably change everything, and part of you is excited while the
other part is terrified that you’re going to ruin all the stuff you care
about—yep. Why do you think I tug on my eyelashes?”
Tam’s smile looked grim.
“For what it’s worth,” Sophie added, “one thing I’ve realized is that
nothing can change me unless I let it. And I have to believe I’m strong
enough to not let it. Plus, I have awesome friends and family who
always have my back.”
“So do you,” Linh said, spinning her brother around to face her and
resting her hands on his shoulders. “You stood by my side all the years
I fought with my ability. I’ll stand by yours through whatever comes—
whether you open yourself to this darkness or choose to keep it far
away. And I know you can handle it.”
Tam gave Linh’s shoulders a gentle squeeze before he stepped
away.
He glanced at Sophie. Then Fitz. Then Magnate Leto. And finally
back to his Mentor. “Fine. I guess we can give it a try.”