Electric Blue Rose - Book One. [COMPLETED] Undergoing Edits

Chapter Six - Getting Back on her Feet

Jade showed significant improvement, making a point to walk laps around the house. Amorio followed her, hands outstretched in front of him. Alex watched the two of them with amusement. Amorio sighed in relief as Jade took a seat beside him. She panted, still short on energy.

"Can I shower yet?" Jade asked, turning to Amorio to catch her breath.

"We can't get that cast wet, baby girl."

"I can help," Alex said, removing the ring that extended from his left pointer finger and connected to a second ring on his thumb. His blue aura flared around him, warming the air. He hovered his hand over the ring piece and formed a bubble around it. He gently placed it on Jade's arm, sealing the cast in a waterproof shield.

Jade smiled and turned her hand to admire the bubble. "It's beautiful, Alex. Your aura shines like the moss on a Fiddlewern tree." Alex smiled, lips pinched.

"Well, come on then. Let's get you in the shower," Amorio said.

"I can handle it, Dad."

Amorio rolled his eyes. "Fine, but only if you use the chair, and I'm helping you up and down the stairs." Jade sighed and nodded, following him upstairs.

Alex rubbed his temples. "Amorio's never going to forgive me, is he?" he asked, turning to Craig.

"Give it time. Besides, I'd worry more about earning Jade's forgiveness. I know she's been pleasant around you, but we also know how good she is at hiding her feelings."

"I know," Alex nodded. "You're right. Maybe if I can get some time alone with her."

"I'll take Amorio with me to the market once he's done helping Jade with the stairs."

"Thanks, Craig." Craig nodded and returned to the kitchen. Alex racked his brain for the perfect words to say to Jade.

Thirty minutes later, Alex's attention shifted to Jade and Amorio bickering on the stairs. Craig intercepted them, leading Amorio out of the house. Jade took a deep breath before crossing to Alex and sitting beside him. Alex struggled to take his eyes off her. Jade turned to him and smiled, making his heart race.

"Jade," Alex said, his voice soft. "I was wondering if we could talk about what happened back on Inanis?" Her smile faded. "I want to apologize." He took her hand in his. "My father threatened me the moment I went on tour. He'd just gotten his position as the Enlightened's Assistant, and he told me that if I pursued you, he'd make your life miserable. But after seeing what breaking our promise did to you, I realize I was wrong."

Jade took a deep breath. "I get it. I know how terrifying your father can be." She fumbled with the ring. "Did you not read a single letter?"

Alex turned his head away. "I didn't read them. It was too hard. My father made it clear that if you and I were together, he'd harm you."

Jade scoffed. "Like that stopped him?" She shrank at her words, turning away from him.

"What does that mean?" Alex asked. "Jade, did my father hurt you?"

"Forget I said anything, okay?" Jade smiled weakly, trying to distract him.

"James told me about the paintings." Jade's eyes widened, and she turned away, her face reddening. "Did my father purchase them?" Her lip trembled. She couldn't bring herself to speak. "I don't understand." The light caught her tear-filled eyes as she fought to hide them. "Hey, it's okay. I'm here now. I won't let him-"

"Stop." Jade sniffled. "Alex, please. You left me. You didn't answer my letters. It's too late to protect me from your father, okay? Just let it go."

"What did he do?" Alex whispered.