Wither Sickness Book 5: Legends Remembered

Comfort

My eyes trail over the letters, each in fancy handwriting.

Each were either threats or warnings.

A long and dreadful sigh escapes my lips. "This is getting me nowhere," I mumble, placing my gloved hands on the table.

Something here has to connect....

It just has too...

I brought my gloved arm up to one of the more recent letters that we received and slowly began reading it.

We'll meet again someday soon and don't think I don't know whose on your side.

- G.

All the letters were like this, with a 'G' at the end, but that was all I could decipher.

G....what does it stand for. Maybe its some sort of name? Or maybe....

My brow furrows and maybe it's time to call it a day. Perhaps, I'll ask Sylvia if she knows anything about this in the morning or something because this is really starting to get to me...

A warm arm finds its place on my shoulder and I don't even have to turn to see who it is.

"I'm never gonna crack this...," The words come swiftly out of my mouth.

"Jesse, you will don't worry," He says removing his hand from my shoulder and moving beside me.

"I can't even figure out what the G means on my own," A sigh escapes my lips as my gaze falls to the floor, "How will I ever be able to decrypt this then."

My foot slides against the wood, silence finding its way into my ears.

"I....just....I need a breather." I say, turning around and walking over to the door.

"Jesse."

My metal hand reaches the golden doorknob. "If anyone can do it, it's you."

"I bet you could though."

"But I bet you could do it better," He replies nonchalantly.

My gaze finds it way to his glimmering azure eye. "I'll be outside if you need me."

Turning the shiny door knob, it finally gives way and I walk out meeting the warmth of the next room. Speed-walking towards the front door, I open it and close it behind me.

My back slides down against the wall and my legs are outstretched in front of me. Bringing my legs to my chest, the warmth flooding my body leaves as harsh winds roll by. Tears prick the corners of my eyes and my head falls on my legs.

Reuben's presence was more comforting than ever, but why...especially since....I don't deserve it.

 Arms tenderly wrap around me and something snaps like a twig within me. My chest heaves in and out faster, my thumping heart bangs against my chest and warm tears roll down my cheeks.

Screams echo in my mind, the clanging of bloodstained swords buzz in my ear and the rang of explosions are fresh in my mind. My arms begin to shake, the loose bolts within them jingling as the grip around me grows tighter.

"Hey...it's alright. It's alright," Lukas says quietly, his hand rubbing my back as my body shakes. 

"No....no it's not! Nothings okay!"

"I know your overwhelmed and upset right now, but you have to stay strong." Lukas said, voice lowering a bit. 

Blinking back tears, my mouth opens partially. "Please....just promise me something..."

A feeling of dread bubbles within me the same dread that had been stirring up in me for awhile now.

"Anything." Lukas replies, bringing me closer to him. "...Don't die..."

Lukas stops rubbing my back for a moment before continuing hesitantly, "I...I... promise."

My words clearly caught him off guard and the lump in my stinging throat was still lingering.

One of the jade necklaces broke and at first everything was fine until...

"Jesse?" Lukas questions, still rubbing my back. A tear falls down my cheek, "...Ya..."

"You know you mean the world to me right?" Lukas says, pushing a strand of my hair back and behind my ear.

My eyes begin drying up and Lukas carefully strokes my hair. "I'm just... scared Lukas."

"Scared, why?"

"If I make one wrong move, one wrong decision, it'll be the end of us all and...I'm really afraid of losing you."

"I already lost you before...more than once." 

A quivering breath escapes my lips, "And I d-don't want us to be separate...again."

Lukas' tender lips are against my cheek for a moment before he embraces me, "Neither do I Jesse....I know it hurts...it hurts real bad, but sometimes no matter how good someone can be...I learned that no one can escape death. Sooner or later we just have to face it and during those days I will forever love you, with all my heart. Whenever your upset or need comfort I want to be there with you. I don't care how many days pass, just as long as I get to protect you...I want to put my life on the line for you Jesse. I want to protect you. Why do you think I tried to be with you at any chance? Why do you think I went out of my way for you?"

Tears quickly well up in my eyes again and my thoughts are full of regret, "I'm sorry."

"For what?" Lukas asks tone lowering as he still gently strokes my hair. "For pushing you away these past weeks...I just been really frustrated lately, but that's no excuse."

"Hey it's alright...and I knew you were upset. It's been very tense and extremely stressful lately. I didn't expect you to be all happy and relaxed."

A long sigh of relief quickly finds its way out of my mouth, "Thank you for being so understanding." 

My gaze falls on the stars. It surely has been a while...

Silence creeps its way in for a couple of moments.

"Anything for my precious..."

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First chapter down many more to go!

Anyway this one will be more like the second book. So in the next chapters there will be choices for you to pick!

As always I'll see you in the next chapter!