Page 102 of The Healing Dragon
CHAPTER THIRTY-TWO
JANELLE
Each limp hurts as I walk across the yard. Soldiers are finishing clearing the grounds of those who didn’t make it. Thankfully, the enemies never made it inside the castle, leaving behind only a few injured who were quickly healed by angels.
“Janelle,” Roman gestures to the pile of enemies on the far left side of the yard. “Do you mind doing the honors?”
I nod and order Dexter to do his thing. The pile is in flames in seconds and in a matter of minutes it will be nothing but ashes. I extend my hand, and with a familiar wave, I call Dexter back. He falls into small sparks that return to my palms.
“Janelle!” Jesse rushes to my side and picks me up in a hug.
I hold him tight and breathe him in. The idea of him being here with me settles in. I got to see him again. I really didn’t think I would.
“Are you okay?” Jesse looks me over as he is going to make sure whatever I say matches with his inspection.
“I’m great. Glad that it’s partly over.”
Despite the dismantling of the rebellion, the Red Book isyet to be found. If my father spoke the truth, it’s going to be taken to the king of the Human lands if it’s not there already. Once in his possession, there’s no telling what the future might hold.
May the Fates protect us.
The enemy just got hold of the one weapon that could destroy our world.
“You did what you had to do.” Jesse’s eyes are full of forgiveness.
“I didn’t kill him.” I look down at my hands, trying hard not to judge myself for the lack of will to see it through. “Mel did it. I only disposed of him.”
“Is that so?” Brandon moves to stand between us. “What else did I miss?”
“My father didn’t bring the book,” I say.
Brandon nods as he expected as much. I share everything that was said during the battle. Including my father’s threat about having someone deliver the book to the human King. I would like to think whoever was instructed with the mission would see the dangers of following that plan but his followers have always been blind to sense.
The King of Puerto Quinn takes everything in with a pensive expression.
“We got it from here.” He takes my shoulder in hand. “It’s time for you to return to Ignis. I need you to make sure those in the city stay strong in case the Human Lands declare war. I need each city to be ready.”
“Brandon,” Jesse says with furrowed brows.
“I will need someone to help her.” Brandon smiles at his brother. “I would trust no one else more than my most loyal advisor. You’ll be missed here, but you’re needed there more.”
“Thank you,” Jesse whispers so low I almost miss it.
The brothers hug tightly. Roman sees the exchange fromacross the yard and sprints in their direction. He joins in the embrace, probably completely at a loss for the reason behind it. Roman doesn’t truly need a reason after all, does he?
I feel like an intruder at witnessing such a tender moment. I excuse myself and head back inside to look for one person I wish more than anything could hear the news of my return to Ignis. A big hug from him would cure the ache left in my soul, but I know his absence is the cause of it.
I walk into the clinic and find Pad standing by Oliver’s bed. His hands aren’t touching Olis, but the slight twitch of his fist tells me he’s debating it. From my place by the doorway, I take a closer look at Pad. The similarities between them are now impossible to miss. I don’t know how I didn’t see them before.
“You are his cousin.” I walk deeper into the room.
“He felt like my brother. We grew up together our whole lives. He never cared to leave until he met her. His wife.”
I nod. “I don’t remember her much. She died when I was a child.”
He smiles fondly. “Timid, quiet woman with a gentle temper. He loved her.”
I wish I would’ve had the chance to meet the woman he loved enough to leave the Black Castle for. I also wish I would become someone worthy of him staying behind for. There is no doubt in my mind that Oli remained behind for me. He even forsake his vow to the King for me.
