"True bravery isn't defiance but quiet acceptance, in the knowledge that with not resisting you are fighting back the most."

He'd only read his mother's words, but he could still hear her voice in his head.

We need your help, Merlin.

It was too late once he received the letter. At least, that's what he kept telling himself. To help now…

Well, he'd have to use magic.

And something that big would likely be flashy. Arthur would notice. Or there was that slight chance it could kill him.

But that couldn't happen. Not yet.

He lay in bed and cried until he fell asleep. He woke at noon, but the clouds and rain made it look as dark as night.