Page 70 of The Healing Dragon
“Janelle is a skilled liar.” He finally breaks the silence. A glint in his eyes.
I think of all the lies she has told me recently. Every time the ringing echoes in my ears. How each time that tone registers, a leap of hope spreads in my chest.
“Do you hear it?” Brandon asks.
I nod in confirmation.
He chuckles loudly. “I bet you are holding onto that hope for dearlife.”
“You have no idea,” I say with a hollow smile.
“She is trying Jesse. I can see it.” He holds my gaze.
“It's never going to be enough I fear.” I run my fingers through my hair.
He tilts his head. “Enough for who?”
I start to say something but stop. I don't know the answer. Enough for me? I am fighting the urge to reach for her every time I see her. Even when she isn't in my space, I have to keep myself from thinking of her. That leaves the people she hurt inside the castle, and I know that there is nothing she can do to make it up to them. Even hergiftcannot heal that pain.
But sheis trying. She has taken her time to help Matias instead of focusing all her energy on finding her father. If getting her magic back was truly the only reason she was here, today wouldn’t have happened.
Brandon nods at the silence. I don't have to tell him my conflicting emotions and thoughts. He can see right through me. Does the color of my soul tell him as much, or is he looking deeper, trying to piece together what is wrong with me? And therefore, how he can help me.
“Then stop. If you’re asking for permission, you have it. If you are waiting for them to approve of her, they never will.”
We have come to the same realization.
“This was never meant to be easy, huh?” I ask my wise, all-knowing, little brother who knows more than anyone the value of love and freedom don't come hand in hand.
I should have known that all the years of sneaking around, stolen glances, and secret smiles would end this way. The shared moments as children and troubles as adults pointed towards a never-ending problematic relationship. Yet, not once did I imagine myself with anyone else.
Brandon chuckles and looks out the window once again. “It can be, but not with her. Would you rather have it easy with someone else?”
Never.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
JANELLE
Isabel and I focus on work for the remainder of the afternoon. As on the day prior, there isn’t any conversation between us. Instead, we work in a comfortable silence that is almost therapeutic. All the questions I have regarding the upcoming events are organized in my mind. As the minutes tick by, I get more eager to go into the library and search for answers.
As we begin cleaning up for the day, I hear the front doors opening and no other than Roman walks inside, this time alone. His expression seems solemn until his eyes find Isabel outside the small office, locking up for the day.
“Did you secure a spot in the departing party?” I ask as he reaches me.
His good humor drops as he shakes his head. “I always miss all the fun.”
“What fun?” Isabel asks with furrowed brows.
Roman leans over and places a gentle kiss on her forehead. “I will fill you in during dinner.” He turns in my direction and nods. “Janelle,” he says.
Isabel plants her feet on the ground and pulls back on Roman’s hand. She turns to me with a soft smile. “No more baskets tonight.”
“Great.” I put two thumbs up before gathering my things to depart.
“You can come and have dinner with us. Would you like to?” Isabel asks.
A pitty invite to eat with them in the dining hall. I’ve hit rock bottom.
