I wanted to laugh. I really did. "You're joking, right?"

But Seungkwan's features had morphed into something that was a little too serious to suit them. The smile gradually faded off my face.

"I don't know the first thing about being a Summoner. Everything that happened up until this point was an accident."

"I know. That's kinda the point."

"I—," I was at a loss for words. "After everything you told me—, I can't control you."

"I mean, not yet."

"I don't want that ability."

"You'll be fine, Mei. It's not hard to simply not give orders."

I crossed my arms. "It's the principle of it all."

Seungkwan rolled his eyes. "Trust me."

I stopped short. Over the past couple of days, I had my trust broken several times by the very people I considered my family. And every time a truth or betrayal was unraveled, it killed me. I wanted to pretend it didn't. I wanted to pretend that the only reason I cried earlier was that I was physically hurt. But I knew better than that. Now, I had a boy offer me his life and asked me to trust him with that decision. 

"Why?" I finally asked. After everything he just told me about Summoners—after everything that just happened—I needed to know why he would risk everything.

"Because you need me." He was right. I probably did need him. I honestly needed all the help I can get. "Because the world is in danger and I can help you fix it. Because you need someone you can trust."

“What makes you think I could find that person in you?”

“Because I’m literally offering you everything I have. So you can bet your I’m going to make sure you’re as informed as possible.”

I hesitated.

"C'mon, what's the fuss?" Seungkwan reached a hand out to me. "You should accept my offer now before you learn more and