Page 48 of Crossing Between

I sat at the edge of Varon's infinity pool, my legs dangling in the cool water. The morning sun played across the surface, creating patterns of light that should have been soothing. Instead, my mind kept replaying yesterday on an endless loop.

Dragon blood. Soulbinder. Essencefeaster.

Each word felt like a stone in my stomach, weighing me down.

I kicked my feet gently in the water, watching the ripples spread outward.

The guys had given me some space this morning after I'd asked for a moment alone.

Even they seemed to understand that learning you have dragon blood and are potentially something called an "Essencefeaster" warranted some processing time.

I heard soft footsteps approaching from behind, too light to be any of my men. I didn't need to turn around to know it was Quilith.

"May I join you?"

I nodded, not trusting my voice just yet. The fabric of their flowing silken garments rustled as they settled beside me, removing their delicate slippers to dip their feet into the water. I noticed the subtle glint of soft-colored scales along their ankles catching the light.

We sat in silence for several minutes, watching gentle ripples across the pool's surface when I moved my feet. The quiet was comfortable, allowing me to gather my scattered thoughts.

"How are you feeling?" Quilith finally turned those ancient eyes toward me.

I let out a humorless laugh. "How am I supposed to feel when I find out I'm part dragon and could turn into some soul-eating demon?"

Quilith winced slightly, their shoulders drooping. "I am truly sorry, Zoey. For the shock, for the burden of this knowledge, for not recognizing it sooner."

The genuine regret in their voice softened something inside me.

"But," they continued, their tone warming, sounding like the Quilith I was used to, "I cannot help but feel joy as well."

I turned to look at them, surprised. "Joy?"

A smile spread across their face, transforming their ethereal features. "You have dragon blood, Zoey. Do you understand what that means? We are family."

Family. The word resonated through me, stirring something deep and primal. Despite everything, a small smile tugged at my lips.

"I've never had much family," I shrugged a little. "Just Ryan and me after our parents died."

Quilith reached over, their cool fingers brushing against mine. "Now you have me as well. And all dragonkind, should you wish it."

I took their hand, surprised by how much comfort I found in the gesture.

"I'm not angry at you, Quilith. I was just shocked.

Still am if I'm being honest." I swirled my feet in the water, watching the ripples distort the tile pattern below.

"And scared, especially about that last part you mentioned. About becoming an Essencefeaster."

Quilith nodded solemnly. "It is a heavy burden to bear."

"Is that why it's after me?" The question that had been haunting me since yesterday slipped out. "Do Essencefeasters hunt Soulbinders specifically? To turn them?"

Quilith's expression grew grave as they nodded. "Yes. Essencefeasters seek out Soulbinders above all others. Your power over souls is exactly what they covet."

"How long have you known about this?"

"This has always been a closely guarded secret within the council of dragons," Quilith rubbed their arms. "Though I was not aware until the emergency meeting. When I sensed your power, I knew you were special, but I did not realize the full implications."

I stared into the water, watching my distorted reflection.

"Ryan," I expressed the fear that had been growing since yesterday.

"Could he have dragon blood too? He's been acting so strangely lately.

Distant. Irritable. Sometimes I look at him and it's like he's someone else entirely.

My magic gives off warnings around him now. "

Quilith listened intently, their ancient eyes never leaving my face. For a long moment, they said nothing, and the silence stretched between us, heavy with implication.

"He has dragon blood. He is your brother, he'll have it, but that doesn't mean he has the soulbinder magic. I can come meet him and see if I can find out if he's been corrupted, but based on your magic's warnings, it's possible."

The words hit me like a physical blow. A sob escaped my throat before I could stop it, and tears spilled down my cheeks unbidden. My baby brother, the one I'd sworn to protect after our parents died, the one I'd raised since he was a kid, could be turning into a monster.

"I was supposed to protect him. I promised Mom I'd always look after him."

Quilith slid closer, wrapping an arm around my shoulders. Despite their slight frame, their presence felt solid and comforting.

"It may not be too late to save him," they looked out the windows sadly.

"Especially considering what happened during the attack on the police department.

I heard about it from Elias last night when he brought me dinner and checked on me.

The souls you healed, the ones infected with Essencefeaster corruption, they were brought back from the brink.

That is unprecedented, Zoey. No Soulbinder in recorded history has been able to reverse corruption once it takes hold. "

I wiped away my tears, something hardening inside me. Ryan had been my responsibility since I was so young. I'd worked multiple jobs to put food on the table, and had left college to make sure he could stay in school. I'd sacrificed everything for him.

I wasn't about to give up on him now.

"Then I need to learn more about my magic," I squared my shoulders as determination replaced despair. "I need to know how to control it properly before we find the Essencefeaster. Before I can save Ryan."

Quilith's eyes gleamed with approval. "Now you're thinking like a dragon."