A Witch's Way

Chapter 25

Serena shifted, the pulse of pain throbbing in her back and legs. She glanced toward her arms under the dim light and sighed, tracing over the many scars she'd acquired on her skin.

First Axel's talons, and now the scars of Jasmine's thorny vines. She shuddered and dropped her hand, hearing the door click open.

"Jasper. You have to start training--"

"No. I'm not leaving Serena's side until she's awake and ready to train with me," Jasper snapped, the chair scraping against the linoleum floor.

Serena wanted to shift over to her other side to see who was in the room with Jasper. It sounded like Ian.

"Jasper, I'm just as worried you are, but I can't let you sit around. Serena will get training, just separately from you. You'll have plenty of time to see her after you're both done," Ian said, pulling up to chair next to Serena.

"No. It's with her or I refuse."

"You're being reckless, Jasper. You're both different elements. You need to think logically."

Serena felt the tension in the air and the hair on the back of her neck rose. What was going on? Her body wouldn't move.

"Have you ever thought not logically and with emotion?"

Silence for a while. Serena let a smile go onto her face. Jasper was right--it was all statistics and facts for Ian. He had put him into a corner.

"Jasper, you need to think about yourself too--"

"I can't. I can't think logically when she's right there, in front of me. She's right there, and she could've died."

"You don't think I know this? She's my own damn sister. I am terrified that she will die, and she is the only family I have left. I love her with all my heart, Jasper," Ian admitted. "I would do anything in my power to have her locked away where no harm could get her--but do you really think she wants that?" Ian hissed, "How do you think I felt years ago when she left with Rosemary to go to Earth? I was terrified. I would relive that moment before I'd ever want to see her in a hospital bed so many times, half dead."

Silence from Jasper. Serena felt antsy but forced herself to stay down. She didn't want to reveal that she'd been eavesdropping on the whole conversation.

"I understand that if you love someone you have to make tough choices--but please. Do it for her, think about her happiness. You'll have plenty of time to see each other after she's done. She has to take it slower because of her injuries," Ian begged.

Serena felt goosebumps rise onto her skin at Ian's words. What did he mean?

"I understand that if you love someone..."

Those words vibrated through Serena's head until she fell asleep.

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Serena blinked her eyes open, surprised to see Jasper, slumped over in his chair with his head hanging down. Was he sleeping?

She reached out a hand to shake him awake but stopped.

"I understand if you love someone.."

What had Ian meant by that? She sat up and stared at Jasper. It was a rare case to see him so quiet, so calm. His shoulders relaxed and his head slumped, dark brown hair messy as if he'd been running fingers through it.

Serena smiled, watching him for a few moments before shaking her head. She was just being creepy now. She went to move her other hand--only to find it was latched firmly into Jasper's hand. Her eyes widened, flicking to the entwined hands, her face going red. She tugged at it, afraid to wake Jasper.