“See, you stand on your own,” he whispered in my ear. “You do not need me, but I wish only to be your ear when you need to release your fears and doubts, your hand when you need strengthening, your guard when you cannot hold on your own, and your heart when you are too far gone to pull yourself free.” Tahk turned me to face him. “I will always be here, lovely. When you feel all is lost, and you are alone, I will be right here. Let me stand for you in your time of need. It is a gift, not a weakness.”