She tilted her head slightly. "It's not just something you carry. It's something connected to you."
Jude exhaled sharply. "I didn't ask for it."
"Doesn't matter."
His jaw tightened. "So what's your point?"
She studied him for a moment, then took a step forward. "My point is, the people watching you ,they know what happens when someone like you doesn't learn to control it. And they aren't going to wait forever."
Jude forced himself to stay still, to ignore the instinct to step back. "And what? You're offering to train me?"
Her lips curled slightly. "I'm offering to make sure you don't end up like the others."
Jude knew there was more to it than that. There always was.
But he also knew he didn't have many choices left.
He nodded once. "Fine."
She studied him a moment longer, as if making sure he understood the weight of his answer. Then, she turned toward the door. "Be ready when I come back. And don't let anyone see you leave."
