Page 6 of The Healing Dragon (The Red Book #2)

CHAPTER FOUR

JANELLE

I rub my hands together attempting to warm up my frozen limbs. There’s a noticeable change in the mornings as the temperature drops. The hot summer months have quickly passed, leaving the chill of a fast-approaching winter.

I wrap my cover closer around me as I walk down town to the market.

It’s small with about twenty stands all lined up in one street.

I despise getting up this early, but it’s the only time I can get what I need.

The market only comes once a week on Sundays.

During the week, they are in Perla, the second biggest city in Paz.

Without my magic, I’m as good as a human.

That prompted me to settle here. Close enough to the outskirts of Fierno and far enough from the capital of the human lands.

At first I wasn't sure if my lack of magic would be enough to allow me inside Paz.

I still don't know exactly how they know when a magical creature is inside their borders but if I had access to my magic they would have made notice of my presence within a day of my stay.

I’ve heard already of two magic wielders that overstayed in town and were found by the King's soldiers soon after. My only guess is that there are two spells over the land. One that blocks spells from being performed and another that alerts the king’s guards to the presence of magic wielders.

Whatever the case, my current state is enough to help me blend.

A few of the sellers nod in greeting as I pass their stands. I’ve been here for weeks now, and I cannot say that my presence has gone unnoticed. Not as much as I had hoped. Young women living alone in a cabin in the woods are not common.

My hair has attracted more than one second glance. I’ve contemplated cutting it or dying it a dark color, but I never fully commit to the idea. So much of me feels stripped and ripped out. I yearn to keep something of myself untouched.

I get the items I’m looking for and quickly make my way back. Recently, the sight of the small cabin brings me peace and joy. A piece of this world that is mine and mine alone. Regardless of the quiet nights, I have found peace in the silence.

My cabin sits at the edge of a river a couple miles inside the forest. Even from inside, I can hear the water's current. When I bought it, it was nothing more than walls and a ceiling. Now, it's a home.

The colors that paint the sky this high in the mountains feel so much closer to paradise. I often wonder how long my eyes will see this picture before they grow accustomed to its beauty.

The first sign that someone is in my home comes from the smoke of the chimney.

I spot the cloud from a mile out. I’m instantly alerted that whoever is inside wants me to know in advance they are there.

Their reasoning for announcing themselves could be many things.

As I walk that last mile to my front porch, I think of all the possibilities.

A pair of boots outside the door clues me in that my visitor is male.

What gives me pause is the manners they displayed by ensuring no dirt is tracked in with their entrance.

No man trained by my father would be so conscientious about their intrusion.

If anything, they make it their job to be a nuisance to me.

“Do you plan on staring at my shoes all day?”

I jump back at hearing the voice. My heart is nearly beating out of my chest. I cannot believe I allowed someone to catch me off guard like that.

I look up at the roof and find Jesse Oscuro sitting there.

The open window to his left leading to my room tells me how he got there.

He is also wearing shoes on his feet. The ones by the door were a distraction.

Our eyes meet, and I’m confronted with the oh-so-familiar hues of gold I know so well I could paint from memory. The sight that once brought me so much fulfillment now only reminds me of my shortcomings.

I didn’t mean to, but I was never strong enough to stop it. That’s something I need to live with. After all I’ve taken from him, I can’t even meet his eyes.

“What do you want?” I ask. I don’t allow the unease to reflect in my tone.

A flutter of hope spreads in my heart at the sight of him. I never thought I would see him again.

He looks off to the horizon like the sky will answer. After a beat, his eyes turn back to me. His expression hardens, like his determination has concluded on something.

“Let’s talk inside,” he says.

I try to get a hold of my breathing. He has already slipped inside the window before I can even gather my thoughts. He is in my room. Here. I hurry inside, forgetting about my own dirty shoes, and meet him as he comes down the ladder that heads to the second floor.

My cabin is technically two rooms: the bathroom and everything else. The kitchen and living room are one small space. My bedroom is on top, connected by a small ladder. The entire space is open, and despite its size, I love it. I chose every single detail that makes this place what it is.

I wipe my hands on my pants, feeling more self-aware than I have been in so long. “Would you like something to drink?”

I move to the kitchen, mentally listing all I have to offer. It’s not much. I put down the bag of things I purchased at the market this morning. I consider putting the groceries away. My hands ache with the need to do something.

“This is not a friendly visit.”

His voice stops me in place. Of course it’s not. What was I thinking? That he would come here looking for me because he missed me? After everything I’ve done?

The pain that strikes through my heart at the thought is almost paralyzing. A day hasn’t gone by that Jesse doesn’t cross my mind. A tiny piece of me held hope that in my new freedom, I would find my way back to him. But the coldness behind his eyes kills that tiny piece of me that dared hope.

I close my eyes and swallow down all my emotions. I raise a wall between us and tell myself it is for my survival. When I open my eyes, I’m more determined than ever. I raise my chin and look at him head-on.

“State your purpose.” There’s an edge to my tone.

“I came here with an offer from your King,” Jesse says.

I don’t live in Puerto Quinn, which means Brandon isn’t my king, but I keep quiet. He has my interest.

His eyes are not on me while he speaks. Instead, his eyes scan the place like he is trying to piece together this new version of me.

There are used blankets on the couch, watercolors on the table, and dirty dishes in the sink.

Each thing scattered around is a puzzle piece of the person I am today. The version of me he’s not part of .

“A trade, if you wish to call it. The Red Book was stolen the night of the attack. We need you to get it back.”

His eyes finally find mine, and once again, I wish to be buried with the souls we lost that night. The hurt and brokenness I see is my fault, and I will never forgive myself for putting it there.

I swallow the guilt. “You want me to get the book?” I ask.

“The King has made the offer. Not me.” His tone is sharp.

“What is the offer?” I cross my arms.

“Your magic back.” He stares at me like I am a stranger to him. His eyes are cold and detached. “Accept this mission as a spy of the realm, and you’ll get your magic back early in return. We know your father heads the rebel group. Find him, find the book and return it. Simple.”

I want to laugh at the choice of words. There is nothing simple about what they’re asking, and Jesse very well knows that.

“The King would like me to infiltrate my father’s circle and betray them?”

His tone is bitter as he says, “You certainly have experience with the act. I’ll accompany you on your mission to make sure it’s carried out properly.”

I can tell he expects a fight, but I think of the opportunities this mission will bring. I knew my time here was borrowed. The late night thoughts that followed my nightmares prepared me for this. I knew it was coming to an end.

I can finally do things right, not just for Jesse, but for myself.

My inaction brought shame to my name in more than one way.

By doing this, I will fulfill my duty as a member of a royal family serving the Crown once again.

The Duelo name won't die in the flames that spread that night in the Black Castle.

The Fates might forgive my past if I make things right. I asked them once to intervene and now I know I never should’ve. Perhaps there’s a way to fix it.

Although, I will also make myself my father’s number one enemy. Brandon might have punished me for my part and let me go, but my father is not as forgiving. I know the moment I sidestep him, he will come for my throat. He will never forgive me.

The question is not if I can or will do it, but if I’m ready. My time has come like I knew it would.

Movement to my left takes my attention away from the conversation at hand.

I go over to the window and watch a man make his way down to my cabin.

His silhouette tells me exactly who he is, but even if that wasn’t obvious enough, his punctuality is impeccable.

Almost as annoying as his insistence on befriending me.

“Who is that?” Jesse asks over my shoulder.

His movements are so quiet I don’t hear him until he is right behind me. I don’t care to explain to him who Ulysses is, and I don’t care to explain to Ulysses who Jesse is. If they never meet, even better.

I turn and see the glint of a knife in Jesse’s hands. “Put that away.” I swat at his shoulder. “I accept. But we’re leaving now.”

Jesse eyes me curiously as I rush to pack.

I shove all my clothing, which isn’t much, in a backpack.

The bag already has a few weapons on the bottom.

I carry those with me everywhere. I grab a piece of paper and write a quick message, then drop it on the table.

Ulysses might not make his way inside the cabin today, but he eventually will after not seeing me for a while.