Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn

by Tuesday Cross

  “Yes, Stefan, apparently we’ve accepted the fate-pairing,” he answered, exasperation in his voice.

  “Oh! Well, I am over the moon for you both. But please, refrain from destroying any more school property.” Chuckling as he winked, Professor Starling bid us goodnight and walked back the way he had come.

  Silence wound its invisible form around my mouth for a moment, before I brushed it away with my voice. “What just happened?” And I mean the psycho ex-girlfriend, the bond, and what else? Oh, apparently we’ve accepted the fate-pairing, whatever that means?

  “Let’s get out of here,” Marcus murmured, inspecting the shadows. Taking my hand, he led me towards a forest path I hadn’t been down before.

  “Where are we going?”

  “To my place, Camilla can’t bother or attack us there.”

  Your place? I stopped walking. The memory of the last time I entered a vampire’s home churned my stomach.

  Marcus turned back to me and squeezed my hand. Now that the static of the magic had gone, his touch was a simple, tender gesture. My instinct was to trust him. But my instincts have been going haywire lately. I studied his face, there was a look of urgency. Let him protect you. A small voice whispered inside me. Squeezing his hand in return, I followed Marcus between the trees and into the darkness, Midwood’s warning surfacing faintly in the back of my mind.

  It wasn’t dark for long. As we made our way down the path, small orbs suspended in the air sparked to life, splashing molten yellow light across the trunks of the trees. The globes emitted a melodic humming, a music which was not unfamiliar to my ears. Fire magic?

  “What are these exactly?” I asked.

  “You could call them a home security system, they keep people out.”

  “Do they keep people in?”

  Marcus gave my hand a soft stroke with his thumb. “No, they don’t.”

  “What would happen to someone like Camilla, if she tried to pass them?”

  “At first she would be held immobile, and if I deemed it, incinerated.”

  “They’re made from fire magic?”

  Marcus nodded. “I made them myself, a long time ago.”

  “Wait, you made them?” I stopped, surrounded by a hundred glowing globes which drifted lazily through the air like giant fireflies.

  Again, he nodded.

  “Sorry if this is rude, but aren’t you a vampire? I was under the impression all vampires used blood magic.”

  Marcus frowned. “Generally that assumption is true, however in rare cases when a magic-kind is turned, they keep a connection to their element. Although, it’s always tainted by blood magic.”

  “So your element–”

  “Is fire, yes.” He smiled.

  He’s like me? Butterflies invaded my stomach. Why didn’t he say so? Is he really so ashamed of the whole blood thing? “Midwood mentioned there was one other fire mage on campus, I assumed she meant Doctor Farsky.”

  “Why would you assume that?” Marcus frowned.

  “I was told his magical aura glowed brightly, like mine.”

  “Farsky is an abomination, that glow is not his own.”

  “What?”

  “Blood magic is unnatural, a false element.” His eyes darkened. “Unlike the others, it can be learned and mastered by those with no natural magical talent.”

  “You’re saying Farsky uses blood magic?”

  “He professes to wield it for the good of others.” Marcus crossed his arms, his expression grim.

  “You don’t believe that?” Why do I feel so afraid?

  “No good can come from the sacrifice of another, even if one’s intentions are pure.”

  “That’s how you use blood magic? You need a sacrifice?”

  “Practitioners require the blood of the living. How much is needed is dependent on how much power is required to complete the spell.” Marcus took a deep breath and shivered. “And the doctor has unlimited access to the campus donor center.”

  Whoa.

  “We should get inside, Nyminia.”

  Right, this mad-scientist thing will have to wait, first I need to know what I’ve gotten myself into with Camilla.

  Entering a large clearing, I studied the small log cabin which had come into view. Warm light glimmered from behind the windows, and even in the darkness I saw the front yard was not a typical lawn, but a garden. I can’t see the flowers, but they must be beautiful. The air smells like a perfumery. Marcus only let go of my hand once he had led me up the wooden steps and past the threshold, closing the door behind us.

  Glancing around, I took in the quaintness of the space. I don’t know what I expected, not a cave per-say, but this is more along the lines of minimalistic lumberjack.

  “Nyminia, we need to talk.” Marcus touched my air with his fingertips.

  We had an amazing kiss, then that crazy power thing, and summoned your demonic ex to whom your bond is not broken. “Where do we start?” I half smiled.

  “I want you to know that I didn’t lie to you.”

  That’s what I want to hear, but is it the truth? I bit my tongue.

  “When I broke the bond between Camilla and I, It required a very powerful spell.”

  Ok, and why are you telling me that? I crossed my arms.

  “While my ability to perform fire magic remains intact, the transition to vampire made it impossible to cast spells without a blood sacrifice.”

  I saw the flash of pain across his face and shivered.

  “Three humans, three of my friends, gave up their lives so I might perform this spell and lead the rebellion, instead of being forced to fight on the side of evil.” Marcus lightly gripped my shoulder. “I think you know I would never have accepted their lives if I didn’t believe the spell would work.”

  “So you thought it worked, but it didn’t?”

  “I know it did. But breaking a maker’s bond with force is messier than a consensual break. While Camilla can no longer feel my emotions or influence my actions, she remains my maker.” Marcus sighed. “Seeing as how I was just involved in a powerful magical event, it makes sense that she was summoned.” Marcus turned towards the light of two white candles which had illuminated upon our arrival. “Honestly, I thought I’d never see her again.”

  I rubbed my arms and gazed into the light of the tiny flames. “I believe you.” The words leapt not from my mouth, but from my heart.

  “Thank you,” Marcus said, turning back to me.

  “Is that why you don’t perform magic anymore?”

  He was silent for a moment, before nodding. “I consume just enough blood to stay alive,” he whispered.

  He says that like there was a time when he didn’t want to be. Blinking the sting from my eyes, warmth rose in my chest as the tendrils of a connection looped themselves around my heart.

  So, what about that kiss then? My face grew hot. “The burst of energy, what was that?”

  “A natural phenomenon, occurring after two people accept a fate-pairing.”

  “What does that mean exactly?” We’re universe-married? A little warning would have been nice, I could have at least picked out a dress.

  “You’re not stuck with me, if that’s what you’re worried about.” Marcus chuckled. “The acceptance is simply a gesture a couple makes to the universe to signal that they will explore the path.” He half smiled, and looked to the floor. “Of course like any path, you may go back or step off it at any time.”

  “Did you know that we were accepting it?” I asked, studying the bare wooden walls.

  “Interspecies fate-pairings are so rare, I had no prior knowledge of what to expect. Although, I assumed it would be similar to the vampiric ritual.”

  “And what’s that?”

  “Consummation,” Marcus replied, his face the picture of normalcy.

  “Oh.” That’s not awkward at all. I took large steps over to the overstuffed couch and sank into its emerald green cushions. “So, we’ve accidentally accepted the fate-pairing
, which isn’t too big of a deal. But your maker showed up and is invoking her right? What did she mean by that?”

  Marcus seated himself beside me and tucked my unruly hair behind my ear.

  I studied the smooth features of his face. He’s sad?

  “Nyminia, just the thought that I’ve brought danger or discomfort in your life is horrible to me.”

  Guilt stuck its ugly head up in my mind and I shifted my weight. “Danger is following me irregardless, Marcus. There is something I haven’t told you.”

  “Let me explain Camilla’s right, and if you wish to remain here with me, I will gladly share in your danger.” He gave my hand a small squeeze before letting go.

  I think you’re going to feel awfully different about that after my story but– “Alright.”

  Marcus’s eyes glazed over. “It is an ancient law amongst the vampires, enforced by the oldest of blood magics. The only power which can fully break a vampiric bond outside of the maker’s release, is the universe’s fate-pairing. My maker has the right to challenge you before you complete the pairing.”

  “Challenge? Like, to a fight?”

  “To a weighing of hearts.” Marcus grimaced. “An ancient ritual, its beginnings sowed during the dawn of my kind.”

  “Is that exactly what it sounds like?” I asked.

  “Your heart will not be removed,” Marcus answered.

  Whew! That’s a relief.

  “But your soul will be.”

  “What!” I’d much rather pull hair and throw punches.

  “If you accept the challenge, both you and Camilla will consume magically tainted blood.” Marcus rubbed his eyes. “It will strip you of all magic and powers for a short period of time. One of the council elders will then perform the ritual and evaluate your souls.” He gazed at me intently as if studying my reaction.

  One of the vampire elders would be looking into my soul? Blood drained from my face. What if they’re able to see what I really am? “What determines the winner?”

  “The ritual determines the victor based on the ferocity of their true intentions. Whoever desires to be bonded to me the most strongly, will be awarded the right. If Camilla is successful, our bond will be reinstated in full.” Marcus bowed his head. “I believe this is her intention. With that as her motivation, she has a strong chance of succeeding.”

  I dropped my head into my hands. “This is insane! You’re saying the only way I can beat her is want you more than her? How is that fair!” Ah jeez that sounds horrible. “I mean, of course I really want– it’s just–”

  “Don’t worry, Nyminia, I understand.” Marcus gave me a small smile.

  I took a deep breath, wiping the sweat from my palms. “What happens if I fail?”

  “Nothing bad will happen to you.”

  “But, I’ll never see you again?” I ran a hand through my hair.

  “Most likely.”

  “I can’t let that happen.” I whispered, mostly to myself. And I can’t let the vampire council find out that I’m the true sacrifice. If Midwood’s right, it’ll mean imprisonment.

  “If I win, will you and I be bonded?” I asked.

  “No, we will not automatically bond. I’ll simply be free from Camilla forever.” Marcus reached out, taking my hand in his cool one. “You don’t have to do this.”

  “If I don’t participate,will your bond be reinstated with Camilla anyway?”

  “Yes.” Marcus sighed deeply, and reached out to squeeze my hand.

  My past made me someone who badly wanted to stay guarded. But he’s been truthful with me. If I’m actually going to do this, I have to be truthful too. “It’s my turn to share my danger..”

  He sat quietly, the coolness of his hand balancing the warmth of my own.

  “You’ve heard the story of the true sacrifice?” I asked.

  His gaze flicked to my hair, and back to my eyes. I pulled down the neck of my shirt, and touched the place I knew my birthmark was hidden.

  “Midwood cast a glamour over the mark, I’m not sure how to remove–”

  “I can see it,” Marcus whispered.

  “You can?” I looked down to see only my pale skin.

  “A trained mind can see through spells like this.” With his free hand, Marcus ran his fingertips just under my exposed collarbone.

  The effect was immediate, a flourish of hot white energy blossomed and then dissipated as quickly as it had appeared. My body felt electric, warm– on fire.

  “So it’s true.” Marcus rubbed his fingertips together.

  I let the collar of my shirt spring back into place. He had not let go of my hand, but become very still. Please let this have been a good decision, please please please…

  “You’re worried about the elder, during the weighing.” Marcus’s gaze flashed up to mine. “Midwood told you they’d take you away and keep you between life and death.”

  I nodded. Is that not the truth? Marcus’s grip increased, the strength and warmth of his hand reassuring me. Warmth?

  “I promise you, they will not be allowed to remove you from my protection.” Fire flickered behind his sea green eyes. It was familiar to me, comforting.

  He says this, and I believe him. My heart believes him. “I’ll accept the challenge.”

  Marcus released a long breath, and smiled.

  I couldn’t help but smile as well. I should feel afraid, but instead I feel… happy.

  After a welcome silence and a few strokes of his thumb on my hand, Marcus spoke. “You’re amazing.”

  “If you think that, you’re in for a rude shock,” I said, laughing.

  “Nyminia, my life has been dedicated to passing time since I performed and completed my duty to this world. You–” he leaned towards me “–you’ve woken something in me.”

  I placed my free hand on top of the one which was already entwined in mine. “That explosion that happened when we kissed, will it happen every time?”

  Marcus’s smile grew. “Let’s find out.”

  CHAPTER 16

  PAINTED HISTORY

  The windows may not have shattered, but my world certainly did. As I pulled away from Marcus’s kiss, my entire body felt as if it had been dipped in thick, golden honey.

  Warm light flooded the tiny living room as one of Marcus’s glowing orbs manifested, displaying the faces of Kit and Cash.

  “Let them in,” Marcus said with a wave of his hand. The twins must have been running, because only a short moment passed before I heard solid knocking on the front door.

  Frowning, Marcus stood up from the couch and crossed to the threshold, pulling it open.

  “Marcus! Sorry to be calling so late, Nyminia’s scent is all down your path–” Cash’s sentence died in midair the moment he saw me.

  “I told you she was here!” Kit’s voice rang out from behind his brother.

  “Why don’t you two come in.” Marcus moved to the side, and ushered them through the door.

  The Litefoot twins entered, their tall frames making the cozy cabin seem even smaller. Looking from Marcus to me, they sighed heavily.

  “That other vampire, do you guys know her?” Cash asked.

  “Unfortunately.” Marcus ran a hand through his thick hair.“How did you two know she was on campus?”

  Cash shifted uncomfortably. “We’ve got extra security set up around the place, no one enters the grounds without tripping an alert.”

  “We want to know if she poses a threat to Nyminia, specifically,” Kit stated.

  “How much has Midwood told you?” I wanted to know.

  “Er, well–” The twin’s gaze flicked to Marcus and back to me.

  “I’ve told him everything I know,” I said, answering the silent question.

  To my surprise, Cash produced a sigh of relief while his brother patted him on the back.

  “That’s great,” Kit said, “we can’t stand keeping secrets.”

  “Particularly crazy dragon secrets, it’s just too much!” Cash rubbed his
face.

  “So, Midwood has you two on campus, keeping Nyminia safe?” Marcus asked.

  “Well,” Kit started, “speaking of secrets, there’s something you two should know.” He exchanged a wary glance with Cash, who nodded. “We haven’t been hired as extra security, we’ve been hired as trackers.”

  “Trackers? What are you guys tracking?” I asked.

  “There’s been signs in the woods,” Kit answered, “evidence that someone or something has been frequenting the area, possibly staking out the campus from a distance.”

  Oh no. My heart began to beat rapidly, and Marcus glanced towards me. Can he hear that?

  “Middy asked us not to mention it to you until we knew more, she didn’t want to worry you unnecessarily.” Cash eyed me.

  I bristled. “That’s the last time I want to hear about Midwood keeping things from me for my own good. What else is she hiding?”

  Marcus sighed. “The headmistress is a follower of the old ways. According to her beliefs being a ethereal mage makes her a disciple of the gods.” He crossed his arms. “She no doubt thinks that it is her sacred duty to protect you in any way she can.”

  “Pardon me, what gods are we talking about here?” I asked.

  “The ones responsible for the creation of the earth, and elemental magic.” Kit placed his hands on his hips. “They don’t actually exist of course, but some people still believe.”

  I caught his glance at Marcus, who remained silent. Intriguing.

  “We should actually head back and let her know that you’re safe.” Cash bumped my shoulder with his fist. “Ready to go?”

  “Nyminia is free to make her own decision, however I think she would be much safer here tonight, behind the orbs.” Marcus gestured towards the door. “Does the campus have dometres set up? Mage-locks? Sethsinizers?”

  “We’ve set up dometres, but–”

  “Nyminia’s life is at stake, and her safety is being managed by a woman who tries her best, but does not have the experience to do it properly.” Marcus’s voice was flat, professional. “You two can go back to campus and inform the headmistress her charge is safe, and that I will be taking over the security of the campus, effective immediately.” His gaze softened as he looked to me. “That is, if you’re happy to stay tonight.”