Jewel’s Secret

Parting ways with Kieran

I look up at Kieran, he is dressed impeccably, he smiles at me, as he holds his hand out to me. I accept his hand, and he helps me from my seat, and we head to the dance floor. He twirls me in his arms, as he leads me in the waltz. His hand at the small of my back, his other hand holding mine, our fingers entwined. I followed his lead as he guided me through the crowd of dancers. He is smiling at me, his eyes shining with his admiration, as he takes his time to inspect my attire, up close and personal.

“I’m not happy, about your decision to go to the laboratory. I don’t want anything to happen to you, away from the protection of the coven.” He said.

“I’m looking forward, to seeing some of the world. I will have a guard with me. I’m not a baby, Kieran. I can take care of myself. Ella, is going to be there with me.” I looked up at him, I felt my anger rising up.

“I’m going to worry about my betrothed. Jewel, don’t be angry at me, I care about you, very much. Just be careful, when you are away at the university. Bad things happen in places where the humans are. I know, that you can easily pass for a human girl. I heard stories, about the horrible things, that can happen to the female students.” He brings his finger up to cup my chin, he looks deep into my eyes.

I turn my head to the side, and he pulls his hand back from my face.

“I am not afraid, of some human guy, who I can break in half. You are silly, to worry about me in the human world. I don’t have the weaknesses of a vampire, I have all the strengths of one. I’m always careful.” I said, as I realized, that he had managed to twirl us off the dance floor, and out onto the deck. The curtains brushed my shoulder, as he stopped moving, and he leads me to the deck railing to take in the night air. The stars shining bright, we both inhaled the scent of the jasmine vine that climbed up the posts of the deck. The soft glow from the deck lights, gave the area a cozy feel. He took my hand to his chest, and held it close to his heart. I could tell, he was holding in his fears. I wished, I could read his mind, it would make things, so much easier.

“I care for you, Jewel. A lot! I think about you, all the time. I’m happy, when you are with me. I’m scared, that I will lose you, if you leave my side. I lost my sister, when she was your age, now. The dragon, he stole her from me. I never saw her again. I feel her presence sometimes, near me, I pray that she is alive and unharmed. But, I don’t know, if, she is still alive, or not. I am afraid, that, if I try to talk to her, that it would mean that she is dead, that she, is a lost soul. I don’t think, that, I would be able to handle, that happening to you.” He cupped my face between his hands, his eyes pleading with me.

He leaned forward and his lips covered mine with such gentleness, he gave me butterflies in my stomach, his lips kissing my face, my cheeks, my nose, my forehead. He pulled me into his embrace, as if he was protecting me from harm. I sensed, that he had developed deep feelings towards me. I felt feelings for him, but, I knew how he felt about dragons. I felt, that the relationship was doomed at the start. I just felt, that I had to be away, from my family and friends. I had to find my own way, in the world. I knew that I had a destiny to fulfill. I was just clueless about what it was. I’m either going to make the world better, or, I was going to, well, I didn’t want to think about what damage I would be able to do, as a dragon.

I liked the way I felt, in his arms. He made me feel safe in his arms, and that he would protect me, from anything that tried to hurt me.

He kisses my forehead, wrapped his arms around me. I could stand here with him forever. The night stars twinkling, the cool breeze, and the scent of jasmine in the air, was so intoxicating. I was feeling my resolve ebbing away. I have to do it, for both our sakes.

“Kier, I think we should break up. I am going to be away for at least two years, and possibly more, if I want to get a degree in the sciences.” I said.

I feel his pain. His arms dropped in shock at my words.

“I, what, are you saying, that you want to break up with me?” He sputtered.

His eyes were wide open. I was feeling a bit of pain and anger from him. He was very upset.

“I just need time to evaluate my situation and we can see other people, and make sure that we are right for each other.” I said.

“I understand, you need to sow your oats. I had time, so, I understand, that you want to see what is out there. I will wait for you. I’m sure you will be returning home and back to me.” He said. He stepped closer and hugged me to him. “I’m sorry. Just be careful out there in the human world.” He rocked me in his arms.

I am really worried, that I will hurt him, unnecessarily. I don’t want to hurt him. I know that we are not soulmates. I known him, since I was a baby. I am attracted to him, and he has feelings for me. Feelings that changed, in a few short years since, I grew up from a young girl, into a teenager. I am not ready to settle down. I am restless. I want to go out into the world, and discover it’s secrets. I am going to miss him. I could return to him, very easily, too. I have to figure out my problems, first. The problem with my being a dragon, for one.

The dragon in me was quiet. She seemed to be sleeping, and I wondered, if she is interested in him. I know that he would freak out, to learn that I am a dragon.

I should go out in the world and find myself. I know that I can’t stay here, the possibility of being found out that I’m a dragon, is the main reason I have to go.

I have to see, if, I can change it. I have to find the dragon blade. If, I want to be able to be with Kieran, then I will have to remove the dragon. He will never accept me, as I am now, if he knew I am a dragon!

The more I think about it, I know I am making the best decision. I hope I will be able to find the dragon blade. My life here depends upon it.

Otherwise, I will have to find a new destiny. I’m not sure what that would be. Leaving home will be scary. I’m torn between the security of life in the coven, and my finding out what I was born to do.

We both seem to be reflecting on the situation. I soaked up the feeling of being alone with him. I knew I had to remember this time with him. I would need to remember him. The need to remember this peacefulness with him, was very important. I don’t know why it was so important that I remembered this moment in time.

I exhale deeply.

“A penny for your thoughts?” He said.

“I’m going to miss you, more than you know. I hope that you know that. I’m sorry if I hurt you. I know I have to do this. I just need to do this.” I said.

“I’m okay with it. I was selfish, you are only 16 years old. You need to explore the world and live your life and discover what makes you happy. I hope that I make you happy.” He said. He leaned his shoulder against mine.

“You do make me happy.” I said. I leaned into him. He smiled at me. He looked up at the night sky. I try to look where he is.

“I am recording this moment with the night sky, so when I look at the night skies I will remember tonight with you.” He smiled at me.

I will find that dragon blade!