Page 94 of To Spark a Dragon's Love
“I wanted to believe that’s what this was,” Ember looked at Riley, “but this is different. We’re so glad you both finally figured out you love each other, but this seems a little toxic.”
“And chaining your ex-husband to a cave wall wasn’t toxic?” I laughed.
Branches brushed against the window again. Malachy’s room was closer to the trees and the forested valley than the rest of the lodge.
Everything in here smelled and tasted of him.
I discreetly sniffed my arm.
He’s buried in my skin.
“I’m not saying that wasn’t a little toxic,” Ember conceded. “But this is throwing red flags everywhere. He’s not fighting for you. He’s hoarding you.”
And what if I wanted to be hoarded?
I sighed as I watched the storm brew and rage outside. “He’s afraid for me.”
“Afraid of what?” Riley asked, moving to sit on the edge of the bed.
“Don’t you feel it?” I whispered, forcing myself to ignore the storm. “Tell me I’m not going crazy and that you feel it too.”
“Feel what?” Riley asked.
The sky darkened so much that the room was cast into shadows. Tears filled my eyes as I touched my chest.
“Don’t you feel Her calling to you?”
“No,” Ember said. “But we talked about this. I feel it in my gut that you need us. We can’t let you stay in here forever. As your friends, it’s our job to recognize when you need help.”
I laughed so I didn’t cry, drawing my knees up to press my face against them. I felt like I was going crazy. “Earth wants me to leave this room too.”
I knew Riley and Ember were sharing a look. I could feel it in the silence. And I knew that me being weird wouldn’t do anything to hurt our friendship. We’d been together for so long we were practically sisters. They’d seen all my faults and stayed anyway.
Ember and Riley had always been the ones cheering the loudest when I stood up for myself, keeping me strong when I felt weak, and I hoped I did the same for them.
I knew it was rare, but I was blessed with really good freaking friends. Maybe that was what Earth needed.
If only…
“There’s got to be something we’re missing,” Riley said. “Why would Earth call you just to destroy you too?”
“It doesn’t make sense. Kieran told us that guardians aren’t supposed to suffer like Malachy did. It’s an exchange of power. A balance.”
An exchange…
I raised my head. “I need your help.”
“That’s why we’re here.” Ember arched an eyebrow. “We’re in this together in case you forgot.”
“I know.” I blew out a heavy breath, trying to come up with a plan that didn’t hurt anyone else. “Help me brainstorm how to get out of this house without destroying Malachy.”
A crash sounded as lightning struck outside, making Ember and Riley jump onto the bed.
I nodded as I started to pull up my hair. “And I think we better hurry.”
34
Malachy
