The Dragon's Cure - Shaun

Chapter 29

Shaun sat down on the grass, running his hands over the white dragon statue. "I'm losing control. What the hell is happening to me, Dad? I'm so scared that I hurt her. I'll never forgive myself if that had to happen."

"Do you not remember anything I have told you, boy?"

Shaun jumped up and looked around. A dull glowing apparition floated over to him. His hands shook and he took a step back before asking, "Mom? How is this possible?"

"Silly, boy. I was born a witch, or did you forget me so soon? All witches leave a trace behind when they pass. I'm grounded by all these trinkets that you boys made together. Daddy won't be able to answer you, but I know he will smack you against the head and ask you, 'What the hell were you thinking?'" she said.

"The only thing I was thinking, was how sweet her lips tasted the first time and I needed to taste them again. I don't know why this is happening. I've never lost control. Never!" he said vehemently.

"That's because the others were not right for you. She is the only one for you. Think back on my stories. How I met your father and how he proposed four days later, telling me that he could not live without me. Remember when I told you, we only fall in love once and it's for life. Do you understand now?" she asked.

Shaun frowned and said, "I thought that was all a myth. Love at first sight and true mates. No one has had a true mate in decades."

"And that was their biggest mistake," she said.

He felt a warmth spread over his heart as she touched his face, though he could not feel her hand.

"Trust in your hearts. They have not stopped, yet. Now, with regard to all your children. I understand why you did it, but I am disappointed that you did not think it through. I am glad that you found her before you continued on this path."-Shaun rubbed his neck, staring down at his shoes.-"I know you are concerned about telling her, but you must.

"She will know with time and if you kept it from her, she will be livid. When you do tell her, give her time to process it. She will come back to you when she is ready. One last thing. When you leave, take her with you. You are stronger together than apart. Do not ask and I will not have to lie to you. You know how I despise speaking about the future. It changes all the time.

"Now get inside and remember our conversation. It will help you in the future." She winked and started fading as she floated away again.

He tapped his foot against the other and glanced at the witch statue. "I love you, Mom," he thought and turned slowly to go back inside. The curtain closed and he halted his steps. Taking a deep breath, he took a step forward and stopped again when the door opened.

Amanda leaned against the door frame, looking down at the ground. She peeked up at him for a second before she said, "Mandy wants you to read her a bedtime story before she goes to sleep. I told her you needed some air, but I think she can feel something is wrong. I also wanted to tell you that you are not the only one to blame. I had the chance to stop you, but I... I wanted to feel you against me."-Her cheeks reddened and she turned to face the door. "It was as much my fault as yours. Anyway, there is nothing to forgive. I just thought you should know."

After Amanda walk back inside, Shaun crouched down and ran his fingers through his hair, sighing in relief. He followed her inside and went upstairs to read to Mandy, when she stood making coffee, with her back turned to him, shoulders tensed.

Halfway through the story, Shaun closed the book and set it down on Mandy's beside table. Her soft curls wrapped around his fingers as he brushed her hair from her face.

"It will all work out, princess. Just like in your story, the prince will get his princess and they will live happy ever after. You wait and see," he whispered to her.

She sighed and turned to her side, shivering slightly. He pulled the blanket up to her chin and kissed her cold forehead. He inhaled and knelt down again, running his hand over her arm. The heat settled his mind and he breathed out slowly.

"Is she okay?" Amanda asked from the doorway.

"Yeah. I just panicked a bit when I felt her head. She felt really cold, but her body is giving off sufficient heat. Chezlin... If we had him outside for too long, his whole body would freeze up and he would shiver for hours on end. I would dress him in one of my jackets and sit with him, wrapped in a blanket to get him warmed up again. When I felt how cold her head was, I though..." Shaun trailed off.

"That the same thing was happening to her. You don't have to worry. I inspected every inch of her while she played in the bath. She's fine. The infection is gone and her lungs are clear again. There are no signs of any growths either. If it really concerns you, then pull the blanket up higher. Her own body heat will warm her up," Amanda said.

Shaun did as she suggested and crept from the room.

"Thanks. I guess with Chez getting sick again, it brought back my fears of losing her too." He smiled before saying, "You should get some rest. I have a feeling that we will be in for a very eventful day tomorrow."

"When you go down to the kitchen, look at the note I left you and I think I opened the book on a different page. I don't remember doing it, but when I glanced at the book, it wasn't on the back page anymore," Amanda said.

Shaun nodded and turned to close Mandy's door. Amanda kissed his cheek and walked off to her bedroom, leaving him staring at the handle in his hand and his jaw almost hitting the floor.