BEATRICE

My blood went cold thinking about how fast he went straight to the subject of Mina’s symptoms. Idris’ focus turned to me with face back to its usual serious expression. Was I just not ready to talk about it? Or did I not trust Roland? I definitely didn’t trust him. I wasn’t sure I was ready to talk about what Mina had been going through just yet.

“So, how did you and Idris meet? Besides you two being neighbors,” I suggested, aiming to steer the conversation in a different direction.

Roland’s eyebrows furrowed from worry as his eyes stayed on me, his grip tightened slightly on my hand, a different man from when I first met him. He knew what I was doing, but he didn’t bother to point it out or push me back into the subject of Mina's symptoms. However, he didn’t bother opening his mouth to answer my question.

The one who did was Idris. With crossed arms, he began, “It is a bit of a long story. I was in my cave, my usual business, and this guy decided to break my barrier and walk uninvited through my woods.”

“Your barrier?” I asked, seeking clarification.

“Yes. The barrier around my forest is my doing. I aimed to keep everyone out. Your host here tore through it and walked into my cave to ask me for help. In return for my services, he would give me anything of my choosing.” A smirk teased his lips as if he knew exactly what he wanted to do to Roland, and it wasn't going to be pretty. “And I’ve been stuck with him ever since,” he finished.

Roland’s face seemed to relax ever so slightly. He offered Idris a sly smile, “I would hardly call it ‘stuck’, my friend. You enjoy my company. And you even helped me decorate my house for my guest here. A true friend’s doing from your part.”

Idris let out a growl that was lizard-like. But it wasn’t that of a small lizard that was growling. No. It was the growl of a giant lizard; one with wings that could blow away, sharp teeth that could tear through skin with barely any pressure, and a breath that could turn someone to ash in an instant. I flinched and held onto the sides of my chair to stop myself from standing up and running back home as fast as I could.

“Remember that my gold is only borrowed, *my friend*.” he mocked the last two words. The jewelry was his doing, then. “I expect them in whole when you return them.”

I chuckle slipped my lips, “Are all dragons like you when it comes to gold?”

Roland’s focus stayed on me, eyebrows remaining furrowed, as Idris replied, “It’s more of a hobby that some dragons tend to pick up. In a way, it is like what you humans tend to do with your currencies.”

I guessed Roland had enough, because he finally said, “If we do not progress, madame, we might not be able to save your lover.” His voice was serious, far different from when I first met him.

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He was right, though. If I kept stalling, even for a few more seconds, we might end up being too late.

So I hesitantly told them. I recounted as many symptoms as I could; The mucus-like substance in her lungs that just wouldn’t come out, the paleness in her skin, the blankness in her eyes, her weak body, her constant breathlessness. I told them that sometimes, she screamed for blood. Most people might’ve assumed she was a Meistec for that last part, but I knew it was the sickness.

Roland’s eyes widened after I finished my explanation. Even Idris lifted his eyebrows in surprise. However, both expressions were gone as soon as they came out.

Roland’s sudden silence almost made me regret telling him this information.

After a moment, he shot up and said, “I will be honest with you, madame. My magic substance will not be able to cure your lover.” I stood up, and he landed his free hand on mine so that he was now holding both of my hands, “But,” he took a shaky breath, “My mother has the same illness, it seems. Though I have not found a cure yet, I will share it with you once I do.”

I stepped back, and he pulled me to his chest “Madame,” he continued, voice low and soft as he stared down at me with sparkling eyes, “Give me a chance. Please. I truly want to help. You see, I have already found an ingredient to the cure.” Idris’ brows lifted. “I can do it.”

I huffed a laugh at whatever he just said, letting my breath blow into his chest. I couldn’t help it. I was here, having lost almost all hope of curing my partner. And here he was, determined to cure his mother and now, as it seemed, Mina.

However, thinking again about that little hope that Mina would be cured, I said, “I’ll let you help. If you let me in on your plan to find whatever other ingredients the cure needs.”

Roland’s smile was feline as he asked, “You do know what this implies, madame?”

I did not like where this was going.

“It implies that you and your partner live with me for the time being. Until we find that cure, that is.”

“I’ll agree to stay to help you out, but Mina does not have to be here.” I countered.

Roland’s eyes darkened, his smile having faded, “I suggest that she stays as well, madame. I would not want her to get hurt while we are out searching for ingredients. I have a magic barrier around my house that will protect her while we are busy.”

My eyes narrowed at the man. As much as I hated it, he was right. If I were to stay with him, I should keep Mina by my side. I had to remember that the man giving me such an offer was the most powerful man in Semora. CEO of Bowey Enterprises. His whole thing was magical artifacts. With them, it would make things much easier

—

Was that how he managed to get all those people at the party yesterday? No, it couldn’t have been. Magic artifacts that didn’t make sounds or showed no symptoms of magic were banned in Semora. For safety reasons. I didn’t hear any sign of artifacts during our rescue.

I blinked my anger away and offered Roland my hand, my face matching his, “It’s a deal.”

Roland replied, with a wide smile on his face as he took my hand, “Wonderful! I will be waiting for you tomorrow night. Use this time to pack your things and—”

“Tomorrow night?!” I interrupted, “So soon?!”

“The sooner we get things started, the sooner we can find the ingredients as well as any other ingredients needed for the cure. Apologies if it bothers you that your visit is cut short.”

*Right*. I nodded, and he gently let go of my body, but not my hands. He held them gently as he led me to the front door, still facing me. He held my chin with two fingers and lifted my head so I could face him directly. My face flushed from the touch.

His voice was soft when he said, “I look forward to seeing you again, madame.” He had hope in his voice. And with that, he finally let go of my hand, and I was too shocked to say anything as I left.