Page 65 of The Healing Dragon
There is no way around this.
“What if they lock me up?” Matias asks, nearly shaking.
“Why would they do that?” Santiago looks at me as if I can explain the odd question.
“I have that thing living inside me. Its magic can manifest in me and I don't know how to control it.” There’s a pitch of terror deep in his voice. “I can be considered a threat.”
Despite that being the truth, I doubt it will take that little for Matias to become a threat to Brandon Oscuro. The King of Puerto Quinn might be the only person who has close to uncapped magic. But trying to explain that to Matias might not be the best thing. He is being irrational, and using logic won’t make him understand.
“Matias.” I take his hand in mine. “No one is going to lock you up again.” The tremble of his hands doesn’t stop but his hold tightens on me and I feel the urge to make it go away. “I won’t allow it,” I vow.
“I won’t allow it,” Calaca vows.
I look at the creature. Its expression is as neutral as ever but there is an assurance in there that tells me it means it.
“I got you out once. I will get you out again,” I finish.
The sincerity must convey in my tone as Matias finally nods. A little of the panic leaves his body.
Santiago clears his throat. “What will it be, then?”
“I will tell them,” Matias says.
Calaca moves to Matias and inclines its head.
“Now that you know it’s not really me, will you be going?” Matias asks.
Calaca slowly shakes its head. “You still have my services. Sire finds you trustworthy enough to protect it inside you. I will do everything in my power to protect you.”
Well, at least that stays. The need to find the Red Book only continues to grow. The stakes get higher and higher. My conversation with Jesse last night comes to mind. It serves as a reminder that I still got a job to do. If I want to see my magic back, I need to find the Red Book.
I gesture to Calaca and wait for it to turn in my direction. “Are you aware of my father’s whereabouts?” I ask.
Calaca shakes its head. “I’ve been guarding the castle. I never left the forest.”
I clear my throat. “Can you find him?”
“I can’t leave my sire unguarded.” The cloth covering its skeleton sways in the wind.
Matias makes eye contact with me and nods in understanding. “I will be safe in the Black Castle. Lord Duelo is my biggest threat.”
Calaca stares at Matias but after a beat it nods in understanding. “I will find him and report back.”
We stare as it walks into the woods. Once a few feet inside the heavy brush, it looks back. As if carried by the wind, Calaca melts into the greenery of the forest.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
JANELLE
Iwalk with Matias and Santiago to the dining hall. We find Jesse and Roman sitting down, having a friendly and relaxed conversation with a group of soldiers. Roman looks up as we approach their table and at meeting my eyes, he immediately knows something is up.
He rises to his feet and waits till we get close enough before asking, “What is it?”
Santiago takes the lead, addressing the brothers. “We need Brandon for this conversation.”
Hunched over, Matias avoids eye contact and keeps his focus on the floor. I know he didn’t want it to come to this, but there isn’t much of a choice. Regardless, a little part inside me feels like I’m betraying him.
“He should be in his office,” Jesse says. His eyes pour into mine like he is trying to read me with just one look.
