Page 6 of The Healing Dragon
“We don’t know that. After all, it’s her choice.”
That stops me on my tracks because that’s something I can’t deny. Janelle’s life has been a series of choices made on her behalf. I’ve spent countless hours listening to her suffering of having no choices. And here I am like every other man in her life, thinking I know better and choosing for her. The thought of her seeing me right now cements my decision.
“It’s her choice,” I agree.
“Make sure you visit Amy Bee before going to Brandon,” Roman says, getting to his feet. “Do you need me to help you there?”
I take a tentative step forward. I’m feeling better, but the tick in Roman’s hands tells me he really wants to help.
“If I want to make it there today, I will require assistance,” I say.
My brother breathes out in relief as he hooks his shoulder under mine and takes on some of my weight.
“Did you get lighter?” he asks.
“Fuck off,” I say.
“Must be your depression diet. Soon enough, you will have the ladies asking for your secret.”
“You know I can hear when you lie to me.” I give him a side eye.
He chuckles. “I know. But what kind of brother would I be if I didn’t tease you?”
“A good brother.” I look to the heavens for help, but find none.
“A good brother lets you waste away only for a little while before making you see reason.”
I say nothing in return because the words are far more truthful than I’m ready to face. I’ve been inside my head for so long that I failed to see how worried my family is for me. Thankfully, Roman is good at knowing when to drop a topic. He changes the conversation to his upcoming plans to move in with Isabel.
“During the tour we had a fall out that really reminded me to pull my head out of my ass and make a move already.” He chuckles to himself. “Who would have thought that this entire time she returned my feelings?”
We all did and I told him as much. Didn’t I?
“Who would have thought?” I remind him and grunt in pain as we keep walking back to the castle.
“I don’t know what I would do if she weren't here after that night.”
The serenity in his voice tells me he would be a shadow of a man if Isabel would have suffered the same fate as the others. Sofia. I think of her soft bright smile and innocent eyes. She was inside the library with a group of fellow students studying for their exams the next day. They were the last victims Ray took that night. Isabel would have faced the same fate if it wasn't for her gift. It kept her and Santiago alive. She was able to block the fire centipede before Bianca took him down.
That was also the last day Isabel was able to keep her gift a secret. Which has been for the best. Her gift is the reason we have a strong shield around the castle now.
“Ready to pass the barrier?” Roman asks as I feel the familiar pressure.
Isabel with the help of Lexi Blue was able to create a strong shield for the entire castle. It covers the structure on all sides until the forest edge. Every person attempting to cross the shield needs to be invited by the King himself. Only those who live in the castle are free to come and go.
“It's good that you have someone to lean on during these times,” I say.
I take a deep breath in relief once we have crossed the shield. It's an odd sensation to walk past it. It feels as if you are entering the current of a river. The pressure against your skin is strong but momentary.
“How often does Isabel need to reinforce the spell?” I ask.
“About once a week,” Roman says. He looks around as if checking the invisible shield. “Technically Lexi Blue is the one who does it by linking her magic to Isabel’s.”
I stop walking because this is news to me. “Lexi can do a spell?”
To our outer shock, Lexi Blue has not been able to successfully perform magic since she was born. My grandfather took a liking to the sisters from a young age since their mother andfather worked with us for generations. He had professors who taught my brother and I try to work with her but to no avail, all had the same diagnosis. Her focus was simply not there. Not when she allowed her mind to wonder too much.
“You think they were wrong about her?” I ask.
