Legend of the Forbidden Read Online Free Page A

just can't see them all.”
    â€œThat's what I meant.”
    â€œEighteen,” she whispered.
    Ethan glanced at her. “Yeah, what about it?”
    â€œI don't want to be so old.”
    â€œIt's not old.”
    â€œOld enough,” she mumbled.
    â€œTo get married, you mean? To join the ranks of adulthood and be the uniting force between the nations?” he asked, and laughed. Why was he laughing? There was nothing funny about any of that.
    Dani couldn't help but scowl. “Right, no pressure.”
    Ethan sighed. “I have to get married soon too. Maybe it won't be quite as big a show as your wedding, but I do understand. Sort of. I'm the oldest son of the Great Dragon Lord. Dad's made it clear that I must get married soon, and if I don't pick a bride, he's going to do it for me.”
    â€œHopefully he has good taste,” she teased, trying to hide how much it broke her heart. Thinking about Ethan with another girl always made her so sad. He deserved to have someone who cared and understood him, not a complete stranger. At least Dani had gotten to know her fiancé over the years.
    â€œI'm trying to push it back as much as possible. We'll see. But you’re getting married. You've been waiting your whole life for this moment,” he said, and even though he was smiling, she could tell he didn't seem enthused about the idea either.
    She nodded. “I have until the winter. I'm sure I'll be more into it by then. All of the planning and stuff. And Tyson, he's great, so I can't complain there.” Even though he made her think of her brother more than a future lover.
    â€œNo, you can't. You both lucked out,” Ethan whispered.
    Dani snuggled into his arms, much like she'd seen Maya do earlier in the evening. She noticed how his body tensed up more and immediately regretted trying. All she wanted was a hug, comfort, something. And maybe a sign that what she felt for him wasn't one-sided. But it must have been, because she could sense his hesitation as he put his arm around her. What was it about touching her that disgusted Ethan so much?
    â€œAre you okay?” he asked. “Why are you frowning?”
    â€œI don't want to do it,” she admitted.
    â€œReally? I couldn't tell. But I think it's something else.” The arm around her tightened, and she felt the warmth of his body despite it being wet. Ethan was so gentle and tender when he wasn't pushing her away.
    She sighed and closed her eyes, relaxing in his embrace. “I don't want things to change. And I wish I…” she gazed up into his beautiful blue eyes. “I wish I could choose.”
    Ethan swallowed and averted his gaze to the sky. “Pick a star, and maybe your wish will come true. Because I…”
    â€œHmm?”
    â€œIf you want to be able to choose, you should have that.”
    She smiled, but couldn't help but wonder if he'd still feel the same way if he knew she wanted to pick him.

 
Chapter Six
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    Like always, both Dani and Ethan had input on all of the meals served throughout the day, as well as the activities. Outside of Ethan's father not being there, everything was perfect. Not like he was surprised. His dad never came to Shanrea for the birthday celebrations. Sometimes, during random visits, he'd stop by and see Dani's Uncle Jason and his family, but he never came to Dani's house. Only once had he done that, and it ended up awkward and a little dramatic, but it'd happened so long ago that the details were fuzzy.
    The entire group settled down outside for brunch. It was Dani's favorite meal, and the perfect way to start their day of festivities. Ethan sat next to Tyson, and Dani and Maya sat across the table from them.
    His mom, along with Dani's, came out holding a cake.
    â€œHappy birthday, honey,” his mom said, then kissed his forehead.
    â€œMake a wish,” Dani's mom, Kat, added, setting the cake down between her and Ethan.
    He leaned up, smirking,