The Dragon Curse

Regrets

"But how did she survive the fire then?" I asked from Evelien because that part was still blurry to me.

"She said there were lightning and thunder, then it started raining," explained Evelien. "She said it was a miracle and that somebody else wanted her to stay alive as well. So she used the storm as an opportunity and she disappeared from the city."

"With magic?" I asked and Evelien rolled her eyes.

"Witchcraft is not about magic, Mark." she started and went up to the wooden table, grabbing a little ball-shaped object. "Smoke and a dagger are enough as well."

She threw the ball onto the floor and thick smoke surrounded us and it made me and Jack cough. When the smoke vanished Evelien was nowhere to be seen. I was amazed and confused at the same time. That was when I felt a gentle tap on my shoulder so I turned around and I saw her behind me, scaring me to death.

"How?" I asked and I was completely confused now.

"You were coughing in the smoke and I used it as an advantage to sneak up behind you. It's not magic at all," she explained and it made sense now. "Anyway, after she escaped she came back here and looked for you and your friend, but she couldn't find you anywhere."

"I wish I knew," muttered Jack. "It doesn't matter now though.

"She is still with us," said Evelien and Jack took a deep breath at that.

"Right," Jack said and stood up from the bed, but suddenly his side started to hurt.

"We should focus on your problem right now," said Evelien and gave another bowl of potion to Jack. "I have to go to the city though. There is a woman there, who might have mother's book. I remember her saying something about it so I have to check that out."

"We should go with you," I said, but she stopped me.

"You can't," she said and looked at Jack. "He can change back anytime soon and I don't want that to happen in the city."

"You're right." I nodded and she nodded as well.

"It won't take long, but try not to attract attention," she said and Jack was in pain again.

She took a deep breath then took her robe and left the house. Jack was sitting on the floor and he was still holding onto his side as little pain waves shot through his body. I sat beside him and he leaned against me, resting his head on my right shoulder.

"I will turn back soon," he said with sadness in his voice. "I almost forgot how it feels to be a dragon. Running, flying freely... "

"I know it's going to be hard once you are a dragon again, but don't you miss it?" I asked him honestly because after all he was naturally born as a dragon.

"To be honest, yes, I do," he said and shifted a little bit closer as another pain hit in his body. "At least I will get rid of this pain."

We sat in silence, well I did, because Jack was constantly in pain. I gave him a potion whenever the pain was stronger but other than that Jack could handle it pretty well. I told him to lie down on the bed to be comfortable, but he insisted to sit on the floor with me. His mind was racing with thoughts I could see that in his eyes. The accident the events after that I was afraid to ask anything about this because it might hurt him more than the pain in his body so instead I let him be with his own thoughts.

"I wish I could go back in time," he muttered and it made me curious.

"What do you mean?" I asked and he sat back up, but still holding onto his side.

"Is there anything that you regret in your life, Mark?" he asked as he looked at me.

I've never thought about that because I thought my life was perfect. I mean, my parents died, but it wasn't my fault. At that time half of England was infected and deadly sick and nobody could do anything about it. I wish I could sometimes, but then I realize that I wouldn't be able to. Everything would happen in the same way.

"Meeting with me?" asked Jack with a weak chuckle.

"Of course not," I answered and his smile faded away.

"I regret asking my mother to turn me into a real human," he said as he looked at his legs. "If it wasn't for me she would be still alive."

"We talked about this, Jack," I said and he looked at me.

"I know, but it will haunt me forever," he said seriously. "I could've just stayed the way I was she would be still alive."

"And you would be dead by now," I said and he looked at me confused. "I know you think you'd rather die than let her die, but you are a miracle, Jack."

"Please... " he rolled his eyes, but I continued.

"There is a reason why you are still alive," I said and he wanted to stand up so I stood up as well. "Have you seen the way Evelien looked at you?"

"What?" he asked as he looked at me with disbelief. "You try to tell me that she likes me? Please, Mark. That's impossible."

"Why would it be?" I asked and he left the house to get away from me, but I followed him outside. "Why couldn't she like you for what you are?"

"Because this is not me," said Jack as he pointed at his body.

"The outside," I said because he was right at some point. "But the inside is the same and that's what matters."

"Right." he rolled his eyes again and headed towards the shed behind the house.

He started running and he quickly went inside the shed. Before I could follow him he quickly closed the door and held it close so I couldn't open it.

"Jack, this is ridiculous." I started and I tried to open the door again, but without any luck.

"Leave me alone, will you?" he said on the other side and I just sighed.

If he really wanted to be alone then fine I will let them be, but he can't run away from this every time. I saw what I saw in Evelien's eyes and it was love. She felt sorry for Jack and I know she wants to do everything she can to help Jack. I saw that she would give her life as well for Jack and she would never leave him alone in trouble. I was sure of this, but Jack wasn't willing to see it.

Suddenly I heard Jack's scream coming from the shed and I became worried that something really bad happened so I ran back to the shed's door.