Page 2 of Reflections of Peonies
“You lied to me.” I forced the words out through my fury. “How could you do that? You’re my doctor.”
How could I ever trust her again?
Dr. Reed grimaced. “You’re not wrong.” She looked away nervously. “But there are difficult circumstances involved, plus concerns regarding health. Those issues go beyond your abilities. This is not about you being the Xing.”
That didn’t matter—she still should have told me. I opened my mouth to tell her so, but she continued. “You stopped your medication. Have the dreams started again?”
My argument fell, and I stared at her.
She continued, “Your parents—and I—insist that you must meet with Dr. Nam before proceeding any further.”
“W-what?” I blinked.
“Once you start therapy—and take it seriously—I’ll talk to your parents about getting you home,” she told me. “But I cannot in good conscience let this continue any longer. You must confront your past.”
What was that about my past?
Dr. Reed’s frown softened. “First things first, I suppose. Let’s discuss your dreams. Have you seen her lately?”
I forced myself not to tense. “What dreams?”
“The woman in your dreams—the one you used to call your friend.”
“No,” I answered, my voice steady despite my racing heart. “I don’t have those dreams anymore. It was just my imagination. Why do you care?”
She hummed but didn’t answer my question. “There’s another thing I’ve been wondering. Just how close are you with the boys?”
“Who?” To which group of boys was she referring? I’d been around a lot of boys lately.
“I am referring to Damen Abernathy, Julian Kohler, Miles Montrone, and Titus Ducharme,” she responded, confirming my suspicions. “The other Xing. How long have you known them? How did you meet? What is your relationship like?”
Why should I tell her? She wasn’t even being a good doctor.
“I—we’re friends,” I told her, not really answering her question. “I only met them about a week ago. They already told me everything.”
She pursed her lips, and I added, “They’re going to find me, and you’ll have to let me go!”
Dr. Reed rolled her shoulders, not looking at all afraid. “Not quite,” she said. “Even if they were living up to their fullest potential, their powers are balanced by the Council, and they are stillobligated to their mentors. They can’t just do whatever they want.”
What was that supposed to mean?
A commotion from the hallway broke the moment. Dr. Reed shot to her feet and was halfway to the door when it slammed open.
Julian strode into the room without a word, his aura sharp and dangerous. His gaze instantly landed on me, and as our eyes met, the skies cleared. I could breathe again. I wasn’t sure how he had found me, or even why he was here. But I was so grateful.
He would take care of everything.
A nurse stumbled into the room after Julian, reaching for him. But Julian dodged him easily and pushed past Dr. Reed. He was beside me in an instant.
“Bianca—” His voice was soft as his fingers trailed over my cheek. “Are you okay?”
The nurse cringed at Dr. Reed. “I’m sorry, I—”
“Don’t bother.” Dr. Reed waved her hand dismissively, and the nurse, without another word, left the room. Her focus was entirely on the two of us, and I didn’t miss the way her frown deepened as her gaze lingered on his hand. But even more surprising than that was the next exchange.
“Why are you here?” Dr. Reed closed her eyes. She sounded as if she was forcing herself to be patient.
Julian narrowed his eyes at her. “I could ask you the same thing,Mother.”
