Page 17 of Soulmateless


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“Hey, um…” Mother’s murmurs suddenly. “How about we settle down and talk about this later? You know, I've been wanting you guys to settle your differences and have a normal grandmother and grandson relationship?”

I squint at Grandmother as she stands from her seat. “You know I love you, sweet Valley Lily, right?”

My fingers grasp onto the edge of the table. My glance goes elsewhere. “I know. I just want to help. I feel like-”

“I just want to keep you safe. That's all dear.” She walks over to me and holds my face in her hands, forcing me to look up. “You've already been through so much. You almost died when you were a newborn…”

Her words sting my chest. All the pain and anxiety I put Grandmother through by just existing.

She whispers. “We found out that you were soulmateless…”

I swallow hard. Why does she have to bring that up?

“I just want to protect my sweet Valley Lily. You need to be in a place that's safe. Besides, fighting isn't your purpose.” She guides my head to rest on her chest as she starts to stroke my short barely strokable hair. I never really liked it when she did this. Before, I'd instinctively pull away. It makes me feel childish every time she does it, but she's my grandmother, so I’ve learned to let her. “I only do this out of love for you.”

“Then why did you let Erasmus go into the military?” I whisper, my heart sinking to my stomach. “Why does he get a soulmate, and I don't?”

Why does it seem like I'm getting left behind?

“Erasmus just has the qualities meant for those things. It doesn't make him better than you.” Grandmother pulls my head away for our eyes to meet. “You have great qualities for other things. You work at the orphanage, and help the community. You're perfect at those things. Do what you are needed for.”

I nod slowly, my shoulders starting to ease. I guess I'm overreacting a little. She’s doing what she thinks is best. Maybe thisisthe best way I can help my kingdom. “I'm sorry. I just want to help.”

My Cosmos wish.

The thought jumps into my head. I had forgotten. “I can use my Cosmo's wish to help with the dreamscreechers.”

Grandmother cocks her head. “You think?”

“Yeah! The point of having the wish is to protect the people of Adoro, right? If I can wish to rid us of these creatures, I would be doing the world a favor.”

I'd fulfill my duty. Thousands of years ago, when all people gathered to celebrate Cosmo's creations, through prayer, music and art, Cosmo gifted humans Grandmother and her six sisters to show his gratitude. As Gifts, it's their purpose to help and guide humans, and that responsibility gets passed down to each descendant.

Grandmother squints at me, removing her hands from my face. “You'll have to be more specific. You know your mother tried to get rid of the problem, but it failed.”

Right. Mother wanted to avoid death and wished for all children to be protected from dreamscreechers. It only worked for that generation and has since worn off. Erasmus had wished for the protection barrier for the kingdom, which doesn't seem to be holding up enough as attacks have started again.

Which means I need to think of something impactful. “I don't have an exact plan yet, but I'll think of something.”

Grandmother sighs. “I'm sure you can. You have a good amount of wit.”

I let out a titter before Grandmother croons. “I love you.”

“I love you too…”

Here's a small clap in the air as I look at Mother, who is wearing a big grin at her seat with her hands together. “I'm so glad we've come to a point where you two can interact like this.”

I chuckle as Grandmother grunts like the start of a laugh. I still can't believe there was a time when we weren't close.

“I'm so proud!” Mother’s feet tap the floor excitedly.

“It is certainly a thing to be proud of! Being able to move forward and carry on with love.” Grandmother’s eyes widen suddenly. “Oh! Did everyone have fun last night? It was wonderful to see Erasmus and Maya together. Maya is justperfectfor my little Magnolia.”

I drop my shoulders. Back to this? We were just having a good moment. “Yeah. She's nice.”

“Maya is so lovely,” Mother chirps. “I was talking to her all last night, and…” She looks at me. “She told me you ran from her. Have you two ever had a proper conversation?”

Why does she have to ask me? “I would…”