The Destroyer (Pure Magic Book Five)

Chapter Eight - Jade POV

I placed my hand on Marco's head and took Kyler's hand with the other. I gazed up at Kyler happily.

"That was amazing. And very, very brave. I'm so proud of you."

He smiled nervously. "Thanks, but…" he held out his other hand, which was shaking terribly. "I hope I never have to do it again."

I sighed, looking back at Marco. "Yeah, me either." Marco's eyes were closed, his expression was completely neutral. He didn't seem to be in pain, but didn't seem like he was happy the pain was gone.

"Marco, hey," I said quietly, waking him up. "Let's get you to bed."

Mmmhhmm," he groaned quietly.

"Here, Mom," Kyler helped me lift Marco to his feet. "You tend to him, alright? Can Ethan and I order a pizza for us?"

I smiled. "That sounds great. Thank you."

Kyler helped me lie Marco on his back and left the room. Marco scooted to the middle of the bed, his hand on his head as he winced.

"Kill me," he mumbled. "I can't take this anymore."

I got onto the bed and straddled his legs, taking his hands away from his face. "Hey, don't talk like that."

He gazed up at me with barely open eyes. "It hurts. And you're a blur. I feel sick. I feel like I'm dying. Just kill me."

"Shhh," I put my fingers on his temples, as I always did. He winced, but when he would usually relax, he didn't. "Wow, this is a particularly strong one, huh?"

He shrugged his shoulders gently. "I don't know anymore."

I stopped and sighed, gazing at him with a worried expression. "Did it help at all?"

He opened his eyes and then quickly shut them. "No."

"I'll put a sleeping spell on you," I said. "That should help."

"Wait," he said, taking my hand. "A darkness spell first. I want to test something. Then you can put me to sleep to rid the darkness."

I was skeptical, but did it anyway. When I was finished, he opened his eyes much wider. He gazed at me as they flashed red. "No pain."

I sat back. "That's odd. Why?"

He furrowed his brow. "Something out there wants me to stay like this." He stood up and paced. "Like the whole goddamn world wants me to be evil!" He growled. "I can't catch a break! You can't catch a break! We will never have a normal life! NEVER!!"

I walked over to him, calmly grabbing his arms. I wasn't scared of him. I had seen him much worse than this. "Marco. Mi rey, please."

He kissed me fiercely, wrapping his arms around me. "You, Kyler and Ethan are the only lights I have left," he said quietly, resting his head on mine and closing his eyes. "If something happens…" he trailed off and furrowed his brow. "It's so hard for me to fight against this, Jade. You know that. You've tried and failed to fight yours." He opened his eyes. "If Kyler and Ethan protect and fight, but we still get consumed with darkness, what will we be capable of? We can't stop it. Eventually we will be the end of the realm." He closed his eyes again, tightly this time. His eyelashes glistened with tears. "If I ever can't control this…. If I end up being him again, promise me something."

"What?" I whispered, stroking his hair.

"You kill me. Okay?"

"No."

"Jade."

"No, Marco!" I stood back. "If there's one thing I've learned, there's always a positive resolution to anything."