When Darkness Fell: An Elemental Enchanters Story Read Online Free Page A

was manipulating Corbin and I could not understand why.
    “I never wanted to let him down,” Colden said.
    “You are not letting him down. But are you going to let your father do this?”
    “I cannot stop him, Savina.” He crossed the room and poked the fire loosening the ambers in the fireplace. “Why are you so against him? Maybe he is doing the right thing. What if Father is only hurting those who are bad?”
    I could not believe my brother. “You cannot possibly believe what Corbin is doing is right, can you?”
    He let out a frustrated sigh. “I do not know his reasons.”
    “You know all about George, and he is not bad. He made him sick. He could have died. And our friends. They would not harm us.” 
    His black eyes softened and he held my hands. “I am sorry. You are right. But what can we do?” He lowered his voice.
    “I do not know,” I said, defeated. “I must warn George. He has to leave this place.”
    “What will I tell Father if he returns and you are not here?”
    “Tell him I needed some air.”
    I left during the evening twilight to meet George at our place by the riverbank. I came to him in tears.
    “What is it? Has someone hurt you?” He kissed my forehead and cradled my head between his hands. His worried blue eyes stared into mine.
    “You and your family must leave, George.”
    His face wrinkled. “What do you mean? What is happening?”
    “The disease. I fear that you and your sister will contract it again,” I half lied. “It is very strong this time. Promise me you will leave.”
    “I will tell my family but I will not leave without you.”
    “Please, George. You must.” I could not hold the tears back.
    “Even if I contracted the disease, you could save me again.”
    “It is too strong.”
    “Then I will stay with you.”
    He was too stubborn, and I was not strong enough to lie to him to get him to leave. The truth was I wanted to escape. I needed to, but I could not desert my townspeople to fend for themselves against Corbin. Colden and I needed to stop him and Veronica somehow. But he was the only father I had ever known. I did not want to kill him. I wondered if I could get Veronica to leave, if Corbin would return to himself. There was only one way to find out.
    George and I stayed for a little longer by the river. I did not know what would happen to us, but I wanted that moment to last forever. To remain in his safe arms. But as we said goodbye, I had a sinking feeling it would be our last.
    He pulled me into an embrace and kissed me. His lips were warm and gentle. “My heart is yours,” he whispered.
     
    The next day, I went out to make my rounds, after George asked his family to leave. They agreed and decided to visit friends. George accompanied me, but no one would let me tend to the sick.
    “I do not understand why they are turning me away,” I said to George as we walked through town.
    As several people passed by us, they gave me a hateful stare, and whispered among themselves. I heard what they said.
    “She’s a witch.”
    I exchanged a worried look with George. “Why would they say that?”
    He pressed his lips in a tight line. “I have not said a word,” he whispered. “Does anyone else know?”
    “No.”
    My oldest friend, Danielle rushed up to me. Her blue eyes were wide with shock and her face reddened. “Tell me it is not true,” she said.
    My body tensed. “What do you mean?”
    “You are the one making everyone sick.”
    “That is absurd,” George cried. “She is the one healing everyone.”
    “They say you are a witch.”
    “It is not true.”
    “You do not have much of a good word. Everyone is starting to believe it. I must go before someone thinks I am associated.” Danielle stepped beside me.
    “Danielle, wait.”
    But she hurried away from me. I turned back to George. “You do not believe I spread the disease, do you?”
    “You know I do not.” He looked around at all the stares. “Savina, I should take you home where