Page 44 of The Healing Dragon
She needs to understand that I mean those words. I don’t need nor want her pity. Her kindness is best saved for someone more deserving of it.
Her bold stare and stone-like expression convey more emotion than I’ve ever seen in her. “I don’t think you’re an evil person. You were forced to do grave things. Now you’ve been given an opportunity to do the right thing. Your next actions define you.”
The punch I feel in my gut is not real. But it feels like it is. Before she closes the door behind her, she stops and looks at me over her shoulder.
“You are safe now, Janelle.”
I stare at the now closed door. The silence in the room feelslike a warm blanket on a frosty night. Despite more than one person inside these castle walls probably wanting me dead, I will never be subjected to my father’s cruelty again.
“I believe I am,” I say to the empty room as I take it in.
I’m safe, at least for now.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
JESSE
Brandon paces the length of his office wall. He stops to look outside the window, then turns to face me. From my angle by the door, I can see the back garden through the window. Bianca and Matias are sitting on a bench a few feet from each other, speaking. They might not be aware of it, but there are a few guards monitoring them from a distance. It’s evident from the glances my brother throws at the window that he is who instructed the guards to be present.
My brother is not a trusting guy, but I am certain he thinks of Bianca as a capable woman. She has taken care of herself for a while all on her own, but Matias is a blind spot. A blind spot that my brother has less influence on than he likes. Bianca has a love and kinship to him that resembles the one my brothers and I have for one another.
Brandon doesn’t trust Matias right now and neither do I. Not after I heard the lies in his words. I’m not sure what secrets he is keeping, but I plan on finding out.
The light of the setting sun illuminates the burgundy tone of the room. I take a break from looking out of the window andlook at my surroundings. I used to come to this office and sit around with Grandfather as he worked in silence. This used to be his office, and I loved the way silence never felt lonely here.
I’m glad to see Brandon more settled. After all, the last time I saw him here, he still acted like the office was borrowed.
How different my life feels in just a matter of days since I was last here.
“What did they do to him?” Brandon finally asks me. He stops pacing and sits behind his desk. “I want to know everything. From the second you found her to the second you both abandoned your mission.”
The harsh tone of his words strikes me with accusation. His problem is with the scene happening out in the gardens, not with me. My brother fears what he cannot control. That happens to be Matias at this moment. He has not just an unexplainable power but a Calaca at his beck and call. Most importantly, he has influence over Bianca. My brother must be out of his mind worrying she might not stay behind if he leaves.
I try to keep my attitude from slipping into my words. “That was never a conscious decision until we were surrounded and staying alive became the priority.”
He fixes his gaze on me, as if he has finally recognized me. “Jesse, I am sorry.”
The words ring true.
A knock at the door stops his next sentence. Roman doesn’t wait for permission before opening and closing the door. I’m glad certain things have not changed between us as titles and responsibilities have shifted with Brandon’s crown.
“What have I missed?” He asks.
“Nothing yet,” Brandon says and gestures for me to go on.
I look at both my brothers. What I am about to say will forever change our lives. The people they were as they entered this room will not be the same when they leave. I wish I couldkeep them here a while longer but there is no stopping time. Regardless, nothing has been simple or peaceful since the tour started. At least for me. The excitement I once felt at the prospect of visiting Janelle in her hometown during the tour feels so far away now. Nothing could have prepared me for the events that would unfold.
“War is coming,” I say. “Not just from the rebel group. I personally witnessed Lord Duelo meet with forest creatures.”
“Did you recognize any of them?” Brandon crosses his arms.
“None of them were leaders that have peace treaties with grandpa.” I look up to the ceiling.
I recall the moment in the forest. They looked desperate for the opportunity to finally decide something for themselves.
“If anything, they seem to be outcasts and power-hungry individuals.”
“What exactly did Duelo promise them?” Brandon states his question with care.
