Call of the Dragon (Return to Avalore Book 1) by Elianne Adams Page B

bed.
    “Since this morning. He was worse a while ago, but I tried to help him as much as I could.” She didn’t tell them what she’d done because she couldn’t even explain it herself.
    “You’ve done remarkably well, Rhiannon. I’m surprised he’s still awake at all.” Aiken gave his brother a pointed look before turning to Drake.
    “Drake, I have to finish the healing process before we can leave this place. It won’t be pleasant.” He spoke aloud, keeping Rhia involved in the conversation.
    “I’m glad for your assistance,” he replied. “Evan, please take Rhia into the other room. There’s no need for her to witness this.”
    “I’m not going anywhere. I want to help.” She squared her shoulders and her chin lifted.
    “Rhia, please, do this for me. I know what’s to come, and I’d rather you not see it. I assure you, I’ll be much better once this is done.”
    The pain in his voice tore at her determination. She didn’t want to stand there wasting time while Aiken could be working on healing him.
    “Aiken is the best healer we have. He’ll have this done in no time.”
    She paused for a moment to glare at Aiken. “I’ll go, but if you do anything to hurt Drake…” She left the threat hanging in the air as she turned and walked out of the room, ignoring the snort and snicker coming from the men behind her.
    Evan joined her shortly after she’d left the bedroom, closing the door behind him. How was she supposed to keep an eye on things if she couldn’t see what was going on in there? Instead, she had to sit there and wait, while Evan stared at her as though she had two heads.
    She shifted in her seat. “Just say what you want to say already.”
    He cleared his throat. “You look just like her. When Drake told me he’d found you, I thought he was mistaken, but it really is you.” He shook his head. “I’d all but given up hope that this day would come.”
    “Listen, I don’t even know if what he says is true. I may resemble your mother but that doesn’t mean anything. I mean, it could all just be a coincidence.”
    His smile transformed his face, making him look younger. “You are my sister. There is no doubt in my mind you’re the one we’ve been looking for. Your eyes, your colors, your looks, no there’s no mistake.” His fingers snaked through his sable hair. “I think if you look deep inside yourself, you will see the truth as well.”
    “I already told Drake I’ll go to Avalore, and I’m not going to back out now. I just don’t want you to get your hopes up too high.” Tension mounted in the room as waves of heat came at them from behind the closed bedroom door, drawing her attention to it once more.
    “If Aiken requires assistance, he will ask.” He moved between her and the door, effectively intercepting her.
    She was out of her league and she knew it. If he wanted to stop her from going in, she had no doubt he’d be able to. “Fine.” She didn’t even try to soften the word or to hide her annoyance.
    “I can teach you a few things while we wait if you like. Things you’ll need to know before we cross the dark lands.”
    Her heart sped up at the prospect. She knew he was trying to distract her, but she might as well do something useful while she waited. “I’d like that.”
    “The very first thing you’ll need to master is cloaking. It’s the way we make ourselves invisible to our enemies.”
    Her eyes widened as he disappeared.
    After a moment, he appeared next to her. She hadn’t heard a sound or a single footstep.
    “How did you do that?” The awe in her voice was unmistakable.
    “It’s nothing more than an illusion, but very helpful when faced with an enemy.”
    “Okay, tell me what to do.” If she was going to Avalore, she may as well learn some of their tricks.
    “Close your eyes for a moment and clear your mind. When you’re ready to try it, surround yourself in a thick layer of white light and hold it to you. Every part of you must be