Page 242 of Split or Swallow
Caspen raised his eyebrows questioningly. She clarified:
“I’ll only do the crest if Leo’s safety is guaranteed.”
“I understand, Tem.”
“Will your father keep his word?”
“Yes.”
“How do you know?”
“Because he needs you to perform the crest. If he goes back on his word, he knows you will not deliver.”
“And afterward? How do I trust that he won’t go back on his word then?”
Caspen looked her once more in the eye. “You have my word as well, Tem. No harm will come to the human prince. Or to his sister.”
Deep appreciation swept through her. Now Tem felt better. But the feeling lasted only a moment before another trickle of doubt set in:
“What will happen to the rest of the royals?”
Caspen sighed. “I do not know.”
“Yes you do. Tell me.”
He sat up, and Tem sat up too.
“I do not know for certain. After you crest them, they will be bound to you.”
“And then?”
“I do not know,” he said again.
Tem stared numbly at his shoulder. It would be worth it. Whatever the cost—it would be worth it to avoid war.
“Caspen,” she whispered. “What if I can’t crest them?”
He took her face once more in his hands.
“You can.”
“I thought you didn’t want me to do it.”
He sighed.
“I do not want you to do it if you are not ready. But if this is the path you have chosen, I will help you prepare.”
“Prepare?”
“I will teach you how to harness your basilisk side. Once you do that, you will be able to perform the crest.”
“Do you mean you’ll help me…transition?”
He held her gaze steadily.
“Yes.”
“How?”
