Page 5 of Reflections of Peonies
“Not entirely.” Dr. Reed pressed her lips together as she scanned her notes. “But it was one of the reasons.”
Julian narrowed his eyes. “And what else?”
“I need to look something up,” she said, closing the folder as she stood. “But based on this, I don’t think we need to put you back on a full dosage. However, it all comes down to what your parents believe to be best.”
I hugged myself. It wasn’t fair!
“You can’t let them medicate her against her will!” Julian wrapped his arms around my shoulders. “And what do you need to look up?”
Dr. Reed paused, studying him. For a moment, I thought she wouldn’t answer.
“I might need you later, Julian. But first, I need to follow up on a few things.” Her gaze moved between us. “Just take care of her,” she told him.
And with that, she left the room, leaving Julian and me alone.
Julian held me to him, his expression severe. Slowly, dread began to fill the emptiness.
My parents had full control over my medical decisions. It didn’t matter that I was eighteen. It didn’t matter what I wanted.
And there was nothing anyone could do about it.
Dr. Reed seemed to be sympathetic. She’d found a way for me not to be alone, at least. But what if she couldn’t stop them? Could my parents ignore her suggestions? I wasn’t sure. I hadn’t even known that my parents hadthatmuch control over me.
My entire life was spiraling, and I had no say in the matter.
Julian rested his cheek against my head. “Are you all right, dearest?”
I wondered about the answer to his question myself. The truth was, I didn’t know.
Everything was different. Not long ago, I knew nothing other than what Finn and my parents told me. And now, a whole new world existed.
A world that, from what I was beginning to suspect, didn’t want me in it.
Why else would this be happening to me? Damen said that the Council wouldn’t accept me. But why?
I had killed people, so I was dangerous. But the others had too, and they were allowed to live in peace.
What made me any different?
2
Julian POV
It had beenthree days since I’d transferred my residency to study under my mother, but still, I was no closer to answers than before. At least I’d been able to see Bianca, but my frustrating lack of access to most of her medical records remained a hurdle I could not overcome.
My mother kept brushing me off no matter how much I argued. Then, when she found out that I’d contacted Do Yun Nam—Bianca’s therapist, and my Tongjun—she’d dared to threaten me.
Not that I’d learned anything anyway. Do Yun had refused to tell me.
The little that I had been able to access was disheartening but not surprising. Bianca had been diagnosed with PTSD, Avoidant Personality, and generalized anxiety disorder. However, the details regarding her diagnosis were murky, as it was noted that she refused to cooperate with therapists.
But there was still nothing that I could access that would tell mewhyshe was this way. She had been abused, yes, and raped—as evidenced by her comments when taken by Daniel Cole. But I couldn’t help but feel we were missing something bigger.
Bianca’s condition had declined since being relocated—she was barely sleeping and refused to eat anything. If nothing changed, they would force that upon her too.
We had to do something before things got to that point. We needed to know what’d happened and how we could help her.
Thankfully, Damen finally agreed: it was time to talk to Finn. I was sure he had the answers we needed.
