The Magic Within ↠ Once Upon A Time

[Chapter 95] The Courageous Lion

This final semester in my undergraduate degree was definitely the hardest I came across. But great news! 1] I got my Business Bachelors Degree!!! 2] I'm moving on to a Masters Degree in... Fine Arts in Creative Writing!!!! For the next 3 years, I'm going to work through my passion projects and work tirelessly to achieve my dreams of being a published author, and to tell mystical Young Adult novels with magic and more!!!

I'm excited for this upcoming journey, but for now, I gotta finish "The Magic Within", which is long overdue now. Please enjoy the last few chapters of this book, and in the future, look out for Jazz Emerald in a bookstore near you (If the fates will allow it) ;)

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Henry wasn't too far away, but it took some time to catch up to him. For being my little brother, he sure isn't little. I don't think he realizes the extra energy it takes just to keep up with him.

As soon as he sees me from the corner of his eye, Henry turns away from his book to glance at me. "I never thought this was how I'd meet your ex-boyfriend," he comments.

I try not to look back. I don't want to know if Jean is still there or if he's finally moved on. It's better to hope for the best. Instead, I keep my gaze on Henry. "What? Were you hoping he'd still be alive so you can beat him up?"

He scoffs. "I think I'd leave that to Mom."

I chuckle. "You're right. I'd see you fighting with your words."

"How are you, really?" he immediately changes the subject to where he wanted to begin with. "I'm guessing he was the last person you'd want to see."

"That's an understatement," I respond. I fold my arms across my chest. My fingers lightly brush at the bandages. A slight sting still burns through the wound, but the pain isn't bad enough to where I'd wince. Instead, it itches like I was infected with poison ivy. It takes sheer will power to not keep itching. It's astonishing how my magic still works when I don't want it to, but I'm not about to keep myself crippled by scratching at the blisters. "I didn't think I would've felt the way I did. I wonder if it was my unfinished business or his that kept him back."

Henry couldn't decide whether to concentrate on the book in his hands or to me. He looks back and forth before forcing his eyes on me. "And about you?"

"I'll get there eventually. It's too soon to think about moving on."

"There's already a lot on your mind," Henry mumbles, more to himself than to me. "Anyways, I was thinking—"

"Wow you had thoughts?" I spit out without so much of a second thought. As soon as those words leave my mouth, I can't help but snicker.

Henry's eyes weigh on me. "I was thinking... Would Sabor fall for her own trick? You know, coat our weapons with some of the Flower's pollen. Just like she did with her nails?"

It isn't hard to forget that incident. There's always a tingle in my throat to remind me of what she almost accomplished. Instinctively, a hand goes up to brush against the skin. Whether it be paranoia or not, it feels like the open wound is still there. However, the stitches have closed. All there is from here on out is a scar that will always be a constant reminder of the experience.

But it will always be a reminder of why I'm still here. I'm here to keep fighting because if I don't then Sabor will only continue hurting others. It's up to me to stop her. Everything must lead up to a final battle. I can only hope this one will be the last.