"Take it," Blade insisted.
Darian felt his arms stiffening.
Blade eyed him cautiously. He put back the scroll and folded his arms across his chest.
Darian narrowed his eyes. "My parents are long dead. I also hate to talk about my past. I prefer to keep it." He suddenly felt bad about his answer and hung his head.
Blade dropped both hands to his side. "That's how to answer a question that deeply affects your heart."
Darian's head shot up. There was a puzzled expression on his face.
"You were not expecting my answer. I know," Blade said. He rose to his feet and folded both hands behind his back. "When your heart has secret wounds, you guard them until you heal. You do not need to tell anyone anything if you do not want to."
Darian opened his mouth to speak, but nothing came out. He c
