Cross (Chapters 1-3)

Cross

D.A. Roach

Cross © copyright 2017 D.A. Roach

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CROSS

Ray Cross wasn't a hero; he could die too easily. But some things are worth risking death...

Ray Cross was born with a genetic disorder, resulting in a fragile body; his organs and blood vessels will rupture with any hard impact, so standing up to his best friend's controlling boyfriend could kill him.

Ray's life in Midland, MI gets decimated when his parents reveal they are not his real parents and his real father, a king from a secret land hidden in the far north of Canada, is dying and wishes to meet his son.

With his doctor and newly-met twin, Ray travels to the forgotten village of Yardis, where magic, myth, and corruption are abundant. But the longer Ray stays in the village learning the truth of his past and reconnecting with his father, King Vintras, the more he discovers an evil force threatening the king and his village.

But there's more than the king and a village tied to Yardis and Ray. He finds friendship and more from a band of brothers who are part witch, dragon, and healer. With new alliances and new abilities, Ray wars with himself on playing it safe or risking it all to save the ones he loves.

Can Ray rise above his fragile disorder to become the hero for once in his life?

Chapter 1

The bell rang, and I hurried out the doors, positioning myself in plain view where I could watch for Derek. Leo hurried over, urging me to let it go and let him handle it. Leo had always handled it, keeping the peace or laying the threats to keep me out of harm's way. But I had had enough.

Derek, emerged from the school wearing a smug smile with Lauren by his side. "Well, if it isn't Elmer himself! I heard you wanted to have a word with me." He said in a mocking voice.

I hated when he called me Elmer. Derek had given me the shitty nickname after I had messaged Lauren, urging her to leave him. To this day I don't regret sending that message. The controlling jerk had no right to cut me out of her life. In retaliation, he had heard the analogy I had told others about my genetic disorder. "I look normal but the glue, or collagen, that holds me together is faulty causing me to be fragile. It's like comparing a house made with screws and nails to one held together with Elmer's glue; they look the same but one can break and fall apart easily."

Lauren shot me a sympathetic smile as she tugged at Derek's hand, pleading for him to leave. He pulled out of her grasp and approached.

Leo came up on my left and quietly urged. "Cross, let it go. He's not worth the risk. Let it go."