Page 93 of The Healing Dragon
I’ve come in contact with the Robles family in my search for the Duelos and they have little care for the people at Fierno.
“It’s a cultural tradition for that family. The celebration isto honor their dead. For a place like this that sees death much too often, the holiday was quickly adopted.” Bianca shrugs.
That’s an interesting holiday to partake in. I look over at Brandon, who is watching Bianca intently, and I wouldn’t be surprised if soon enough we join in on the holiday. I think of my grandpa and how having a holiday to remember him on would be great.
A tall figure crosses the clusters of people walking about the center of Fierno. I’ve met Gabriel only at social functions, but it’s hard to mistake him for anyone else. He is evidently in a hurry as his eyes frantically look around. Once he spots Brandon, he picks up his pace, coming to us.
“I cannot stay,” Gabriel rushes to say. “I’m needed in Luzes to handle an urgent matter, but I’ll return as soon as possible. Get started, I won’t be long.”
“Wait.” Brandon tries to follow Gabriel, but he can only raise his hand before the angel calls for his wings and shoots up into the sky.
“That was quick,” I say, looking towards the darkening sky. I lose track of him almost instantly.
“How are we supposed to summon Mel?” Matias asks.
I look at my brother. “You are the King of Puerto Quinn. If someone can summon anyone in the underworld, it has to be you.”
Brandon doesn’t seem concerned. “I think I have an idea.”
The gates of the underworld are concealed. The building we approach appears deserted, but the door, in contrast, has a polished new handle that suggests there is something behind it. Upbeat dance music blasting from the speakers is very unconventional. The young woman behind the front desk smiles wide and waves as we cross the front door.
“Welcome, welcome, come on in. Gosh, y’all are like thefirst people to come here in a week.” The young girl gets up and rounds her desk. “My name is Rory.”
“Hi, Rory,” Bianca says tentatively.
“I’m sorry if I come off too strong. I haven’t socialized in days. To say I’m eager for interaction is an understatement. I didn’t realize this job would be so boring. One would think working minding the gates would be more exciting.” She sighs in obvious disappointment. “They mind themselves.”
Her word vomit is met with silence and blank stares. The absurd amount of energy gives us pause until her outfit registers. Rory is dressed in business casual, with black dress pants and a white button-down shirt. Her shoes are sparkling sneakers that shine like a disco ball. Her hair is also black with strips of pink. She looks like a mismatch of badass and girly.
“Sick style.” I tell her, trying to fill in the silence.
“Thanks, but I’m taken.” She fans her face.
“I wasn’t,” I try to say.
“I’m flattered, though. You’re cute.” She looks at Brandon. “Is this your brother?” She gives him a once over.
“Also taken,” Bianca hurries to say. She takes a step closer to my brother.
“Okay, I see. Grr,” Rory growls at them, then winks.
“You aren’t human,” Matias says, pointing out the obvious.
Few humans choose to live in Fierno and even fewer would venture to places like this where being in the vicinity of demons is part of the job.
“You’re not a full witch either.” Brandon points out, looking at the girl between furrow brows.
I take a closer look and realize he’s right. There’s definitely magic in her presence, but not in the way it feels with us. Brandon must be able to see way more with his soul reading gift.
“That’s right.” Rory rounds the desk and plumps down on her chair.
“What are you?” I ask, hoping my own gift will help me figure out if she lies.
“I already told you I’m not available.” She turns to Bianca, covering her face from my sight. “Is he always this bad at taking rejection?”
To my utter surprise, Bianca laughs. The traitor.
Matias leans on the desk with one of his charming smiles. He’s good at those.
