Meet your next book crush (and my forever fictional crush), Will Taylor from “Chasing Shadows.”

Will, so nice of you to—Oh, you can remove the blindfold now.

Yanks it off his head. “Where in blazes are we? And why did you cover my eyes?”

In my basement, and there are some things that would be … difficult to explain if you saw them, like my car and microwave. Now, we know that you’re 22, have super-human good looks–born with them!—and have a passion for saving people, but tell us a little something about yourself that we don’t already know.

“Where’s Sarah?”

*sighs* Will, honey, focus. You’re adorable when you’re being protective, but you’re fine, she’s fine, we’re all fine. I just need a few minutes of your time, and then I can return you to where you came from after we conclude our interview. Speaking of which, what do you like best about living in twelfth century Serimone?

Shifts uncomfortably. “Pardon?”

Too tough? Okay, then, what’s your favorite color?

“Green, I suppose.”

What is a fond childhood memory you’d like to share?

“Following my father through the castle and exploring the secret passages deep below. Every day was like an adventure, and my knowledge of every inch of Serimone Castle has helped in certain other ‘endeavors.’”

Like sneaking in to find evidence against the king’s assassin. Alright, now we’re getting somewhere. . . . Good Lord, you’re dreamy. Okay, stay focused, be professional.

“… Did I awake in a mental infirmary?”

What? *giggles nervously* No. Of course not! Anywho, moving on. Do you have any favorite hideouts?

“There is an enormous birch tree on the property near my cabin. I am very fond of watching the sunrise from there. Especially when the company is very fair.” 

That’s a secretive smile. Care to share with the rest of us?

“Forgive me, but no. That memory is very close to my heart.” 

You are just as private as Sarah. . . Ah, I get it now. Well, then if you could have any superpower, what would it be?

“To travel back in time.”

… Uh-huh, How interesting, and no hesitation. *clears throat* What would you see or change if you could?

“I would go to the past and stop my parents from being murdered.” Sighs. “Though Sarah would tell me that I can’t change the past, but should make the most of my present.” 

I’m sure your parents would be proud of you. You took over your father’s blacksmith business, right? Do you want to do that permanently, or do you have other interests?

“Um, no, I do not wish to be a blacksmith forever. And I do have other hobbies…”

You mean being the Shadow, Serimone’s vigilante?

“How did you—“

Long story. Plus, I’m also a huge fan of yours—you know, running around the forest in a cloak and fighting for justice with a bow is pretty awesome—so I’ve been keeping tabs on you.

“Thank you? I took on the persona of the Shadow so I could seek out my parents’ murderer, and then I continued on with my pursuit for justice when I realized that I could truly help people.” Mouth tips. “And I kept on with it to a help a certain young lady stop an assassination.”

That reminds me, do you think you’ll ever be able to prove that Cadius killed his brother, the king?

“The two of us are doing everything we can to bring him to justice, so I suppose we’ll see someday.”

Speaking of Sarah, do you have long-term aspirations for your relationship?

Smiles very slowly. “My goals involve forever.”

*heart melts* I’m trying really hard to not ship you guys right now.

“Ship? I’m sorry…?”

Oh, it’s not like an actual ship-ship. It’s when you root for a fictional couple and combine their names. Like you and Sarah could be … Swill? Willah? Umm, Maylor?

“You do realize that sounds horrible.”

Yes, I’ll definitely think up something else, but you get the idea for now. I just have to be careful that I don’t get more attached than I am if I have to kill one of you off.

Eyes widen. “Kill one of—Hey, let’s not be hasty.”

Well, that’s all we have time for today. Thanks, Will, for traveling all this way. If you’ll just put this blindfold back on, we can get you back to where you belong. A little quicker now, if you don’t mind.

“And what do you mean fictional?”

… Houston, we have a problem.