Page 52 of A Dragon's Miracle (Fires of Fate)

“Like I said, don't worry about it. You're far more valuable than anything we keep in our house.”

Instead of responding, Ryan coughed. I held the vial out to him. “Maybe you should take it.”

Ryan shook his head again. “I want it analyzed first. Who knows what's in there that could harm a developing baby.”

“Analyze it?”

“That's a good idea,” Zed spoke up. “And actually what I came here to talk about.”

Ryan and I both shot him curious looks.

“I've been thinking,” Zed started. “Ryan's ex can't be the only one who can make this medicine, right? If we can figure out what's in it...”

“You think we could duplicate it?” Ryan asked. “That would be wonderful, but we'd still need... Oh...” He paused. “You have healing magic.”

“I've never tried to use it on a potion, but it could probably be done.”

“That would be awesome!” I hugged my friend.

“It would take some time,” Zed said. “To figure out the exact proportions of the ingredients in that. I'd need help from alchemists, but I've been looking around and found a few on the island that seem good.”

“If you could make this work,” Ryan said, “I'd be in your debt forever.”

“Nonsense.” Zed reached out to ruffle Ryan's hair. “We all want to see you get better.”

Ryan smiled, although his eyes looked a little bit wet. He was touched. As was I.

“You're the best, Zed!” I kissed my friend on the cheek.

“It's nothing, really,” Zed insisted. “Since I got these powers, I should also put them to good use, shouldn't I? In any case, we'd best get started on this as soon as possible. I didn't expect you to already have some of the medicine, but now that you do, we should get a sample to an alchemist.”

“You're right. How much do you need?”

He looked at the vial in my hand. “I'm not sure. Maybe half? I can take it to an alchemist and bring the rest back to you. They should also be able to tell us what's in it fairly quickly and then you can check with the hospital whether it's safe.”

“Sounds good.” I handed the vial to him. “Be careful with it.”

“Of course.”

Once Zed was gone, Ryan turned to me.

“Jin didn't make you do anything funny, did he?”

I shook my head. “No, he only asks for things, and...”

“And what?” Ryan's eyes narrowed, a look of apprehension to them.

“I really don't know. He said he wanted something else as well, but he didn't know what yet. Told me I should keep coming to find out.” I didn't want to worry Ryan with this information, but he would have gotten it out of me one way or another. I wasn't good at hiding things.

“I wish you didn't have to deal with him.”

“I know, but it'll be fine. I promise.”

“I don't know.” Ryan walked away from the table and sat on his bed.

“Stop worrying so much. You know, one good thing came out of my trip to Jin's place. Aside from the medicine, I mean.”

Ryan eyed me skeptically. “What's that?”