Asher shakily stood up. His legs crumpled beneath him, but Elena grabbed his arm and steadied him. No one said anything as they made their way into the house.

“Ash, I’ll get you a warm cloth. You go lie down. Let me know if you need anything, alright?” Cedric comforted.

Asher nodded and made his way up the stairs. His whole body felt heavy as he went and sat down on his bed. A few minutes later, Elena came into his room.

“I’m so sorry, Ash. I wanted to help you but I didn’t know how.”

“I just wish they’d go away,” Asher whispered. “But they never will. It’s unfair. I hate it.”

“You’re right. It’s not fair. And the fact that some people believe the Chosen Ones are blessed is just ridiculous.” Elena sighed. “But the books don’t talk about this. They say how much of an honor it is, to keep our world protected.”

“Well, it’s that way with a lot of things. You hear of great warriors honored for their bravery in battle, but what they don’t say is how it felt when they lost their friends and brothers in that same war. And some of them, they weren’t brave. They just had no one to live for. The books don’t talk about that.”

“You’re right.”

“How can I stop this, Elena?”

“I don’t know. But your brother seems to help. For now, just keep him close. You can get through this, Ash. It may not be a great life, but it’s the one you were given. We’re going to make it work.”

“It doesn’t feel like we will.”

Exhausted and overwhelmed, Asher across his bed, his legs hanging over the side.

“Asher, let’s talk tomorrow, okay? I’ll bring a bunch of my books, and we’ll read through them. I’ll find a solution.”

Asher managed a small smile.

Adrian came in and jumped on the mattress, bouncing slightly, and sat down on top of his brother.

“Asher, will you play your guitar for me tomorrow?”

“If I’m feeling better I can.”

“Promise that you will?”

“Promise.” Asher said, sighing slightly at his brother’s endless energy.

“And, can you promise me that you’ll let me help you with the voices?”

“Promise.”

“Um, can you also promise you...you won’t hurt me?” Adrian turned away, embarrassed at his questions. He balled his hands into fists. He could feel his brother next to him, hurt radiating from him.

“Of course I won’t!”

“Say promise!” Adrian cried.

“Promise!”

Adrian stayed quiet for a moment before continuing, wanting to ignore how he felt the need to ask his brother to forgive him.

“Can you also promise that you’ll let me play your guitar tomorrow?”

“We’ll see about that one.”

“Awww, can you please promise though?”

Asher smiled at his brother. Adrian bit his lip and made himself smile. His brother would never hurt him! Right?

Elena stood and began to head for the door.

“I’ll see you tomorrow, Asher, okay?”

“See you then.”

She smiled and left.

“Promise that if you marry Elena I can be your right hand man at the wedding?” Adrian asked.

Asher laughed, “Sure, I promise.”

Asher knew he would do anything for his brother, so these were promises he intended to keep.

If only fate had given him the chance to.