I | II | III | IV | V | VI | VII | VIII | IX | X | XI | XII | XIII

My gaze remained fixed on my legs, stretched out in front of me. I had no idea what to say to the man next to me, watching me patiently. Do I make a joke? That was my usual MO in situations like this. Play it all off as some cosmic punch line and close my heart off again. Why was I like this? A soft sigh escaped my lips. I could see out the corner of my eye, Ethan looked at down at them for a brief moment before returning to my face. 

I needed to say something, I knew I needed to say something. But the only thought that popped into my muddled mind was not something he would want to hear.

“Ethan.” My hands came together and started to fidget. This wasn’t going to be easy.

“Yes? What is it?” I hated seeing him like this, torn apart, trying to please. He was usually so arrogant, so sure of himself. He was like a kicked puppy right now, and it ripped me up inside.

“I think,” I paused and took a deep breath. “I think I might not be the one for you.”

We were both quiet as my words sank into his heart like a rock. His face slowly became stoic, and he leaned back from me a bit. “You’re wrong.” That’s all he said. No pleading, no excuses.

“How do you know?” 

“Because I just do.” I shook my head at his response and slowly forced myself to look at him.

“But don’t you see? Maybe that’s why your Dragon self is rejecting me so viciously? Because I’m not!” My voice pitched up an octave, and I winced as I moved too quickly, sitting forward. Pain screamed up through my ribs, and air pushed itself from my lungs. A steady hand came from behind and guided me back onto the pillows to lay.

“Don’t overdo it, Ellie. You’re still healing.” He was gentle now, his hand brushing softly against my temple as he moved to sit back on the floor again. 

I could feel my anger rising to the surface. Why couldn’t he see it? We weren’t this Tether thing; if we were, I wouldn’t have so much trouble with the bonding! That’s logical.

Right?

I closed my eyes and frowned. “It’s the only thing that makes any kind of sense. Why would a powerful ancient being like yourself be Tethered to me? I’m nothing, I have nothing special. There are loads of others in this school alone that has to be better suited.” Ethan placed a finger against my lips to stop me. Taking hold of my chin, he moved my face towards his, and I gazed into his deep pools of aquamarine, and I froze in place, my fight gone.

“I know it’s true, Ellie. The moment I saw you, I knew it, and I will not waiver from this. You are mine, and we will get through this.  Alright?” I could only nod in response. His conviction was so firm that there was no way I could argue with him. 

He stood up then, and stepped backward.“We’ll get you healed up, and we can try again, ok? Maybe there’s something I can read up on in the library to help this.” His eyes softened as he looked at me and a small smile graced his lips. “Don’t worry, ok? I got this.” His usual swagger was back as he turned around and walked towards the door. 

“Where are you going?” I wanted to hit myself; I sounded so desperate.

He must have heard it because the look he gave me as he turned at the door yelled it loud and clear. “I’ll be back, just gonna go take care of some stuff. Rest up, you’re safe here.” I wanted to say more, but he’d disappeared already. I huffed as the lock on the door clicked, and I knew I was alone.

What a mess.