Page 95 of The Healing Dragon
“Perhaps we can talk to you about why we are here, and when Gabriel arrives, you can have his full attention,” Bianca suggests.
From her outside demeanor, anyone would think she’s feeling incredibly confident, but I’ve gotten to know her lately. The slight shake of her thumbs tells me she feels anything but that.
“I’m glad to see there’s someone with brains around here. It restores my faith in the future of Puerto Quinn.”
I can almost feel the restraint my brother is showing to not bite on Mel's antagonistic comments. Successfully, he swallows his detours and begins explaining our reason to be there. I can see the moment Mel’s interest in Matias sparks. The demon’s eyes narrow, not in suspicion, but in close inspection.
“Well,” Mel says and closes the distance to Matias. “Let’s see if it’s true.”
With one finger, Mel pokes Matias’ head, then a light of sparks like a zap of electricity ignites.
“That looks about right.” Mel confirms with a nod.
“What just happened?” Brandon asks, looking between the two.
“My advice is to restore it to the book.” The demon returns to the wall and leans against it.
“Obviously.” Bianca rises to her feet. “You’ve told us nothing new.”
“Wrong. I gave you confirmation that your assumption was correct.” Mel shrugs. “I wouldn’t call that nothing.”
“We had confirmation when the book spoke to us directly,” I say.
Mel ignores me. “The electric shock was a warning for me to stay away. I think that’s a brilliant suggestion. I’ll take it.” He glares at Bianca. “What, did you expect me to have some bizarre insight into the magic inside your forsaken kingdom?”
Before Bianca or Brandon can respond, a series of shouts erupts from the reception area.
“Hey there lady, you can’t just,” Rory shouts, then trails off.
Seconds later, a tall woman burst into the room in a rush. Her hair is winded and her eyes are wild with fear. I’ve never seen her before. She has an angelic face and air to match. It can only mean one thing.
“LeeAnn, what’s wrong?” Bianca hurries to ask.
“The Black Castle is under attack.”
The air leaves my lungs as if struck by a blow.
“Who said this?” Mel asks her with scrutinizing eyes.
LeeAnn turns to Matias. “One of the plants you brought me is called the whispering leaf because if synced to a sister plant, they can whisper to each other.”
“Its sister plant is at the castle’s clinic.” Matias concludes.
“Amy Bee and I quickly figured it out when conversations from each other’s clinic would suddenly be whispered. Sheurged me to find you here and tell you to come home as soon as possible. They are outnumbered.”
“Amy Bee told you this. What else did she say?” Brandon steps into her space, seeking the truth from her soul.
“Don’t kill the messenger.” Mel steps between them. “She’s an angel.” He gestures over his shoulder. “Hardly her fault for your problems.”
“We need to go now,” Brandon says, and we’re all already on our feet. As if the air suddenly deflates him, his face falls. “We’ll never get there on time. The soldiers waiting for us outside the city will not make it any sooner.”
“I’ll join you,” LeeAnn says. Her face is fearless and full of determination. “I can fly there, but I can only carry one of you with me.” She looks at Brandon. “I can get you there in a matter of minutes.”
“Not your fight, sweetheart.” Mel gestures for her to step aside.
“These are my friends.” LeeAnn gestures to Bianca and Matias. “I know some angels that will go with me. I will call them now. We might be able to get some of you there sooner.”
“Fine.” Mel rolls his eyes and turns to Brandon. “I will aid you with reinforcements in your time of need. That’s what my brother would’ve wanted me to do, anyway.” He points at Bianca. “At a price, of course, but we shall discuss that later. I can get there quicker than the angels, but cannot provide a ride.” He turns to LeeAnn. “By the time I see you there, the problem will be resolved. You might as well stay.”
