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Kell sensed there was, but he couldn’t be sure if the emotional trauma Alana was experiencing was caused by an unknown threat or her own mother. She didn’t want to ruin Mara’s perception of the loving Krane matron, but Kell wasn’t sure the girls’ mother had made the right choice separating her daughters. He did believe she had the girls’ best interests at heart. Only because Alana did.
Despite the shame and embarrassment he felt from Alana, nothing showed on her face. How long had she kept this false front up? Every time she visited her sister, which had been few since her graduation day.
Mara wasn’t trying to hurt her sister with her questions. She was trying to sound neutral, but he could detect the pain in her voice and so could his mate. How could Mara not feel betrayed? The years before Mara met Legion had been wrought with struggle and death. Learning Alana had added to that by accepting the last of the Krane’s money was going to upset Legion and Mara.
There was so much about Alana he didn’t know. Where she had gone after graduation. Why she hadn’t offered Mara some of the money back at her mother’s funeral when she learned of Mara’s money issues? The women needed to start talking, and he was at a loss about how to mend the chasm between them. “I think we should start with what is happening with the women. Legion says all have felt ill.”
Mara nodded. “I had just finished the cookies. I was in our kitchen and was trying out the new double oven. I took out the first batch to cool and was placing the second on the cooling rack when my stomach turned. I thought my entire body was in the rinse cycle. I made it to the bathroom before I threw up. Several cookies ended up on the floor but Legion collected the rest so we could bring them here.”
Kell nodded. “I believe Alana’s experience was similar.”
Alana nodded. “After Kell saved me, we were lying on the bed he created in the cave, and my stomach churned. I threw up as well, but I wasn’t sure if it was just me or everyone.”
Legion sat down beside Mara. “I have spoken with all the dragons who have mates. Ella and Natalie have had more adverse effects than the others, but all are feeling... off, as they put it.”
Mara’s face softened. “I’m sorry you aren’t feeling well, Alana. I can’t remember you ever getting sick. I had that nasty cold two weeks before your graduation and remember commenting how you were the only one in the household who didn’t catch it.”
Alana cleared her throat. “I haven’t been sick since I was a child. This mass sickness is bad. If we are all being affected, it means that Adara is.”
Legion leaned forward. “Ella threw up again. Thorn is pulling his hair out. Do you know what this sickness is? How we combat it?”
Alana nodded. “I love that you stay in contact with them, the dragons, I mean.”
Legion glanced at Kell. “They are my people. My clan. There is nothing I will not do for them. For you.”
Alana smiled at Legion, but his words had cut through her. Her entire soul flinched, and Kell became increasingly concerned. What was she hiding? He sensed her focus. To keep him out of her memories. Druids didn’t lie to their mates. He was lying by omission.
Legion shimmered in his mind.What is happening to Alana? Mara senses her pain, though I do not.
There is much more to Alana’s story, and it has to do with their mother. I am trying to gain Alana’s trust, but she is blocking me. I see into her mind, but she is able to avoid recalling a certain memory. Something to do with the dragon rune on her wrist.
Legion glanced at Alana. It is inert. I didn’t notice it, which is alarming.
Adara has warded it. I didn’t feel it and it hasn’t activated since she was in my presence. Why would the temple put such a tether on her?
That is unclear, but Adara has only recently gained enough power to affect the druids in the human world. How long has this rune been on Alana?
Kell cursed under his breath. Why hadn’t he thought of that?I don’t know. She pushes me away when I ask questions. Everything I have learned about her has been when she lets her guard down, believing I am otherwise occupied.
We are never so occupied we don’t attend to our mate.
I know, but she does not. The concept of someone caring for her seems foreign. I think whatever happened to make her mother send her away has altered her perceptions of love and loyalty.
I am unsure what to suggest. Mara’s memories of their mother are all supportive and filled with love. I can’t imagine Alana being asked to leave.
Kell rubbed his forehead. I saw that memory in Alana’s mind. That is exactly what happened, and Alana cried as she packed her things.
Do not tell me anymore. It is difficult for me to keep anything from Mara. We are too deeply entwined. I trust you to get to the bottom of Alana’s predicament and help heal the wounds between Mara and her sister.
I believe Alana needs her sister’s forgiveness, but does not believe she deserves it.
Legion frowned.Do you know why?
One of the reasons, yes,Kell messaged with a growl.
I assume by your dragon’s anger that I will not like this reason.
You will not.
