My eyes flicked to my door again, and back to Fred. “It’s been bothering me, the headmistress quoted things that sounded religious. She said that my bloodline was created by the maker’s daughter, a dragon. Who’s the maker?”
“The headmistress is, of course, referring to Madanama.” Fred made air quotes with his fingers. “The creator of the universe. She is still a believer, I however am a believer in the science of magic.”
“So the True Sacrifice, it’s a religious legend?” I asked, raising a brow.
“Any follower of the old ways would say yes.” Fred sighed. “However modernists think of it as a rumor sensationalized into religious propaganda.”
“But it’s not just a rumor.” I crossed my arms.
“No.” He smirked. “It most definitely isn’t.” A moment passed, dominated by his smile.
“Well, thanks Fred, I guess I’ll–”
“Nyminia, if you ever have any questions at all, about anything, you can always come to me.” His words came out too close together.
Creepy. “Okay, thank you.”
At that moment, Fred’s phone began to buzz. Retrieving it from his pocket, his face was lit with the bright light of the screen. His eyes flashed up to mine, silence stretching out for a moment before he spoke. “Good night Nyminia.”
With that he stepped around me and disappeared down the stairs. Standing in the empty silence of the hall, I shook my head. Something’s not quite right with him. He looks at me like I’m some sort of endangered animal. Whatever it was, I didn’t have time to think about it now, Timothy would be here any moment.
Hastily, I picked out a simple grey cotton dress from Rowan’s overflowing closet. Slinging one of her leather bags over my shoulder, I stuffed the sharpened branch inside. Hopefully tonight is just a series of awkward moments that don’t end in me shanking anyone.
I finished dressing, and brushed my hair out. No makeup but hey, it’s not like I want to make an effort for this guy. A loud knock on the door snapped me to attention. As I was crossing the room to answer it, Timothy was already letting himself in. We need to start locking this thing.
“Lumina! Are you ready for an adventure tonight?” He wore a crisp blue shirt, slacks, and polished shoes. Timothy rubbed the back of his head, blushing slightly.
I sighed. “Look, Timothy, if we’re really going to do this then you can call me Nyminia.”
“Follow me then, Nyminia.” Timothy spun around and walked out of the room.
Thirty minutes, no more.
We walked across the quad, towards the dining hall. Everything was lit up, bright as daylight, just as it had been yesterday.
“No classes tonight?” I asked, glancing sideways at Timothy.
“I do.” He smirked. “But I’d rather spend time getting to know you.”
I nodded politely and kept my eyes on the path ahead. Just getting to know each other, that can’t hurt right?
We were nearly to the entrance of the hall when Timothy smashed his hands against his pockets, searching for something.
“Ahhh, I forgot my wallet,” he said with a grimace. “Do you mind if we swing past my room quickly?”
“I got a meal card today, I could just–”
“No, it would be an insult to my honor to allow you to pay for dinner tonight.” He turned to me and leaned in. “Besides, they’re running the ice-cream cart tonight, and they only take cash.”
“Alright then, we’ll swing past yours.” Can vampires enjoy ice cream? Or is that idea solely for my benefit?
Timothy smiled meekly and we headed off towards the light-tight structure Marcus had pointed out. Thinking of him made the palm of my hand tingle. I took a deep breath as I smoothed it on my dress. I’m going to find Marcus tomorrow and get to the bottom of that particular mystery.
I drifted out of my thoughts as Timothy took my hand, and led me towards the vampire dormitory.
“I’ll wait right here,” I said as I pulled away.
“You don’t want to see inside? It’s really cool.” He smiled. “You’ve never seen anything like it before, trust me.”
“I’m just going to take your word for it thanks.”
Timothy shrugged. “Suit yourself.”
Suddenly, my whole world became a blur. Before I could process what was happening, I found myself stumbling into a brightly lit space. It was a typical boy’s dorm room, with band posters on the wall and even an acoustic guitar in the corner. The click of a lock sounded from behind me, and I whirled around, coming face to face with Timothy. His lips stretched tightly across his teeth as a smug grin spread across his face.
“What are you doing?” How do I get out of here?
Timothy took a step forward, and his ugly smile withered. I tried to shove him away, but it was like trying to move a brick wall. Rubbing my wrists, I backed up slowly to the far side of the room.
Timothy followed. “My dear Lumina, I saw you talking to Marcus.”
My mouth fell open. What could that have to do with anything? Slowly, I reached inside the leather bag on my shoulder. Panic gripped me as Timothy ripped it away and flung the bag across the room. His hands shot out and clamped around my wrists like a vice.
“I don’t care who he is.” Timothy’s voice was guttural, almost animalistic. “I saw you first.”
The scent of his musky cologne stung my nostrils, and my pulse struggled against his icy fingers. Teleport. Come on, Nyminia! I shut my eyes, trying to reach for my magic. All I could see was black– fear had taken over my mind.
“I’m going to take your light,” Timothy whispered.
My eyes shot open and I watched as his fangs descended. At the sight of the milky white needles, I kicked and screamed.
Timothy didn’t respond with words, he simply smirked while he released one of my wrists and gripped my neck. Choking, I again closed my eyes and desperately tried to make contact with my element. Instead of the flame, all I could see was Timothy’s fanged face.
And then, nothing.
CHAPTER 9
FORGED BY FIRE
I awoke in a brightly lit room, the stench of smoke lingering in the air. A cough wracked my body as I rolled my head to the side. Where am I? After my eyes adjusted to the light, I finally identified my surroundings. This must be the hospital wing. Muffled voices became audible on the other side of the door, one voice in particular grew louder and louder.
“I need to see her, you don’t understand...” the voice echoed. “No, I need to make sure she’s okay!”
That voice is so familiar, but I can’t place it.
Groaning slightly, I shifted my legs over the side of the bed, and pushed myself to my feet. A wave of exhaustion hit me as I removed the IV needle from my arm. My brain was dizzy, drained, and clouded. Allowing myself to fall back down to the bed, I sat looking at the door– behind which the voices had ceased their squabbling. It eased open and Midwood slipped inside, her skirt stained with soot.
“Nyminia, I’m glad to see you’re awake,” she said, approaching me.
Timothy’s fanged face flashed through my mind like a bolt of lightning. “How did I get here?” I clasped my free hand over my neck.
“Why don’t you tell me what happened first?” Midwood seated herself beside me, and took my hand in her warm one.
“Timothy.” I cast my eyes down. “He attacked me.” And I wasn’t able to protect myself.
“That’s all you remember?” Midwood asked.
I nodded.
“Nyminia, there isn’t an easy way to tell you this–”
The door to the room swung open with a bang, and a tall blonde woman strode in. “Is this her? Is this the witch who killed my son?”
Killed?
Midwood stood up, placing herself between me and the well dressed stranger. “Mrs. Carmichael, you should be with your son.”
“You mean that pile of ash Farsky gave me? That’s not Timothy.” The woman’s bloodshot eyes shined in the light.
I killed Timothy? What happened? Why can’t I remember? My heart beat frantically.
“I didn’t make all those sacrifices to save his life just so some white-haired freak could burn my baby from the inside out.” Mrs. Carmichael shoved Midwood, who was obviously doing her best to remain calm. “I want justice, Mildred, I demand blood for blood.”
Midwood gripped Mrs. Carmichael’s forearm firmly, and walked with her out the door. The disheveled blonde woman stared at me over her shoulder the entire way.
She wants to kill me. And who could blame her… I frantically pulled on the fresh set of clothes which lay folded next to the bed. The rising sound of Mrs. Carmichael’s voice drifted through the pale wood of the door, her words dripping with poison.
I need to get out of here. Hoisting myself through the window, I tumbled heavily into the thorny bushes underneath. Picking myself up, I scrambled out into the night.
My legs were weak and heavy as I struggled through the forest. I can’t believe I killed someone. The thought ran on repeat in my mind. I took a life. As I paused to catch my breath, I heard the sound of a twig snapping behind me.
“Who’s there?” I called out.
There was no reply. Must have been–
A figure emerged from the shadows, angular features visible in the moonlight.
Marcus? “What are you doing here?” I asked, hanging on to the tree for support.
“I saw you leave the Hospital.” He took a step forward. “Why are you out here? Are you alright?”
“Thank you for your concern and everything, but I’m just fine.” I said, lacing the words with sarcasm.
Marcus stared back at me. “You don’t seem fine.”
“In the last forty eight hours I’ve magically survived a fire, discovered the world is full of supernatural creatures, been fang-mauled, and killed someone. Of course I’m not fine!”
In an instant, Marcus stood directly in front of me. His superhuman speed made my head spin.
“What can I do to help?” he asked.
“Nothing. All I wanted–” was a place to call home “–was a place to stay.” My chest heaved as tears stung my eyes. “I thought maybe I–” would find a family “–could fit in.”
Marcus’s hands relaxed, and his face softened.
“If you’re here to haul me back or throw me in a dungeon, just do it already.” A place like this probably does have a dungeon. “Otherwise, I’d like to be left alone.”
As I tried to walk away, my toe caught on an exposed tree root. Rushing forward, Marcus caught me in his arms. Face to face, the same electrical power which had passed through us before returned, but this time Marcus held me tighter. The feeling, connection, whatever it was, pulsed like a living thing– independent from the two of us. Terrified, I bent my legs, slipping out of his arms and ran deeper into the woods.
Fueled by adrenaline, I ran until I could literally run no more. He’s not following me, thank god. Hot tears streamed down my face, and my breath came out in broken sobs. What’s wrong with me? Fear, anger, and something I couldn’t identify overwhelmed my emotions. Get back in control. I steadied my breath. I’m in the middle of what is probably an enchanted forest, at night, alone. I’ve just murdered a vampire and told another one to get lost. What do I do now?
After a silent moment, the sound of a wolf howling nearby broke my reflection. Maybe running all the way out here was a mistake. My concern quickly turned to panic as a sleek red wolf padded out into the clearing, pale moonlight shining off it’s coat. As I pushed myself backwards and tried to stand, I realized the wolf was changing. Mesmerized, I half stood, half crouched as the strange dance of fur and skin morphed into someone familiar.
Rowan stood where the wolf had just been, bathed in the light of the night. She wore a shapeless flannel nightgown and no shoes, her hands firmly planted on her hips. Her hair was loose and wild, haloed by the white orb in the sky.
“What on the god’s green earth are you doing out here!” She called out as she stomped towards me.
Words were beyond me. Jeez, I knew Ro was a werewolf, but seeing it? That’s a different thing.
“Running away from our problems are we?” Rowan said, hoisting me up. “You’re not responsible for what happened Nym, it was his own damn fault and you know it.” I wobbled, and Rowan’s hand shot out to stabilize me. “He didn’t have any right to attack you.”
“I didn’t mean to kill him,” I stammered, unable to meet Rowan’s eyes.
“We all know that, Nym!” Rowan shook me. “You didn’t know how far he was willing to go. He could have killed you.”
“Rowan I’m sorry, his Mom–”
“Don’t be sorry Nyminia! Be proud!”
I looked up into Rowan’s eyes without a word.
“Too many innocent people become victims of people like Tim. How many of them do you think wish they had a natural mechanism that protected them?”
“A natural mechanism?” I asked.
“Your blood, Nyminia, it fought back.”
“My blood did what?” It’s settled, I’m a total freak.
“Midwood said it was something to do with your magic and self preservation. You can ask her when we get back to campus.”
I shook my head. “I can’t go back, Rowan, I’m a murderer. He didn’t deserve to die.”
“That’s not the point, Nym. You don’t have a mean bone in your body, my instincts are spot on.” She took a deep breath. “You didn’t intend to hurt him, but he obviously intended to hurt you. None of this is your fault, your body was just doing what it’s designed to do. Which is, by the way, a subject I am an expert on.”
Rowan’s words hit home. I don’t know my own strength, or what I’m capable of doing. She’s right though, at my core I’m a good person. Or at least I try my best to be.
“Now, are you going to come back home with me, or freeze your butt off out here like an idiot?” Rowan asked, ruffling my hair.
“No one’s going to lock me in a dungeon?” I asked, half serious.
My friend laughed and shook her head.
“Let’s go home then,” I replied quietly.
I leaned against Rowan as we walked across the quad. In the distance, Midwood and Professor Starling rushed towards us.
“Nyminia!” Midwood exclaimed. “I am so glad you’re safe.”
Before I could reply, Rowan stepped between me and the headmistress. “You obviously did a good job of scaring her.” Rowan thrust her finger into Midwood’s face. “She was out of her mind with fear!”
Starling and Midwood exchanged glances.
“Rowan,” Starling said as he reached out to lower her hand. “Thank you for your assistance in tracking Nyminia. Why don’t you head back to your room?”
Rowan stood up straighter and crossed her arms. After a silent moment she turned and whispered to me, “I’ll see you at home, Nym.”
I watched Rowan walk off towards our building, and disappear into the shadows. I feel safer with her around.
“Unfortunately I agree with Rowan,” Midwood spoke, grasping my shoulder. “I’m sorry for what happened in the hospital wing.”
“Where is Mrs. Carmichael now?” I asked.
“Subdued and locked in Doctor Farsky’s office,” Starling replied. “We’ll attend to her in the morning after she has, hopefully, calmed down.”
I shut my eyes for a moment, drowning in questions. “I’m tired of not knowing everything,” I finally said.
“What would you like to know?” Midwood gave my shoulder a reassuring squeeze.
I looked around, we were alone. “Rowan said my blood fought back, is that normal?”
“It’s not unheard of,” Starling answered, clearing his throat. “Fire magic is often fatal to vampires, particularly when wielded at such powerful levels.”
“And why am I so powerful?” I asked as I clenched my fists. “Is it because I’m the True Sacrifice?”
“From the maker’s daughter came the True Sacrifice,
a flame which shall be revealed by fire.” Midwood recited. “You are the flame, Nyminia. Long ago your bloodline was created by the dragons themselves.”
I narrowed my eyes as Starling gave Midwood a nudge.
She coughed before continuing. “What I mean is, your original ancestor was not a natural born human, they were created by fire magic. So you see, a small part of you is not human or magic-kind at all.” Midwood sucked in a breath. “You are something more magical, more powerful.”
Holy crap.
“Is there anything else on your mind?” Starling asked after a moment.
“There is actually,” I said narrowing my eyes. “You never answered my question about Marcus.”
CHAPTER 10
FATE-PAIRING
Midwood pursed her lips, and I could see the professor’s shoulders tense up. I crossed my arms, and did my best to stop my legs from shaking.
“Perhaps we should keep the conversation to questions you have about yourself.” Starling swallowed, “I’m not sure that we are the ones–”
“He followed me into the forest,” I said, anger flaring in my stomach. “I fell, he caught me, and that energy thing happened again.”
The professor’s eyes glazed over and Midwood let sigh escape, rubbing her forehead with her hand.
“It would appear he’s made his choice,” Starling said quietly. He opened his mouth to continue, only to be cut off by Midwood.
“Nyminia, it’s Marcus’s place to explain this to you, not ours.” She looked at me with wide eyes.
I glared at the pair of them. It’s been a particularly traumatic couple of days, and this question is hanging heavily on me. “You’re going to explain it to me, now.”
Midwood exchanged a glance with Starling, who in turn gave her a small shrug.
“Really, Marcus should–” Midwood started.
“Marcus isn’t here, Mildred, and Nyminia has the right to know.” Starling turned his bespectacled face towards me.
Finally, thank you. I knew I liked this guy.
“Can you describe the sensation you experienced when Marcus touched your skin please?” he asked.
Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn Page 8
