Embracing the Flames Read online

  They were both staring up at me, hands shielding their eyes from the sun I hovered in front of. “I’m ready to begin,” I called down to them. I tried to hide my wariness as heat trailed out in curls from my nostrils.

  “Try hitting her with something small,” Astral instructed Fenn, his voice sounding like it was right next to me even though I was high in the sky.

  I zoomed in on Fenn again, bracing myself for his attack. I sensed his energy building within him as his palms began to glow. Every muscle in my body tightened with anticipation as the scent of his magic surrounded me — a fresh bar of soap mixed with a summer’s salty breeze.

  “Temparo!” he shouted, hurling his blue energy towards me. It was the controlling spell that we had learned a few days back. My senses were so keen I could see the spell coming towards me as if it were in slow motion. I jumped to the side, the spell flying past me and down into a tree with a crackling smack. The wood splintered out from the force leaving a wide scorch mark in its wake.

  Fenn boastfully smiled as his eyebrows rose, taunting me to challenge him. My heart flittered a little. He was proud of me and that made me feel momentarily invincible.

  “Again!” Astral said delightfully.

  “Immoblatio!” Fenn tossed. I easily dodged it again, watching the spell slowly hurl by me. My wings fluttered, a rush of power surging throughout me as I headed for the ground. Being in the air gave me the advantage against his physical attacks. I wanted more. I needed to know that I could do it on my own.

  I mocked his earlier taunting smile as I let my feet touch the ground. “Let’s try something harder,” I said daringly. “No holding back.”

  A shadow of a smile grew on Fenn’s face.

  “I feel good and I want to see what I can really do.” I hoped that I could keep things under control. I didn’t want his smile to vanish.

  I backed up a few steps and stared at my clawed feet, inhaling deeply. It was important that I remained focused so I could stay in control. And so I could keep Fenn off guard.

  “Pellum Descendum,” I chanted, throwing the knock-back spell at Fenn. He ducked just in time, pulling my legs out from under me at the same time. I wavered, and my wings fluttered, catching my fall and lifting me a foot off the ground.

  I felt his energy building up once again, but I was too close to him to dodge. “Silentaro!” he shouted, his energy hitting me directly in the face. My scales provided a strong barrier. They didn’t burn the way my skin did when struck by magic, but they also didn’t stop magic from entering. I felt my lips magically weave together, preventing me from speaking.

  Steam wisped out of my nostrils as anger sparked within me. I threw a hearty punch but missed as he dodged and said, “Turbularum Vortum.”

  I was already off balance from the missed punch and was caught off guard by the spell that hit my side. I flinched. This was one I had not been taught yet.

  The clouds seemed to fall from the sky as a black whirlwind surrounded me, lifting me off the ground and into the spiked, cold air. I was being spun uncontrollably inside the tornado, stunned and unable to counterattack. Panic set in as my anger grew beyond my human limit. The dragon spirit in me pushed forward, refusing to take anymore of this beating.

  No! I begged internally, trying everything I could to remain in control. I focused on breathing evenly, but the confine of the artificial whirlwind was suffocating me.

  I pleaded with my eyes for Fenn to let up. Awareness registered on his face and then he pulled back, the spell finally dying off. I felt Astral’s strength pouring into me, waiting for me to use, but I refused as I hovered above them. I was going to do this on my own or else.

  Fenn released me from the silencing spell. Probably out of pity. This made me even angrier with myself. “Don’t do that! Don’t take pity on me,” I spat. The dragon in me was gaining more and more control by the second, pushing me past the point of reason.

  His back stiffened as he glared back at me. “Suit yourself.”

  I felt a familiar darkness stir within me, urging me to give in to my untamed emotions. Without thinking, I swooped down, grazing his face with the claws of my feet, uncaring if it hurt. He was already healing as I pulled myself up into the air, ignoring his fiery glare.

  “Protectio!” I shouted. A shimmering bubble of protection surrounded me. It was only strong enough to protect me against his next spell, but it would give me enough time to prepare and counter.

  “Immoblatio!” he rebounded. I saw it coming and dodged to the right, swooping down and landing behind him, tapping him on the shoulder.

  “Pellum Descendum,” I said with a saucy smile. He flew backwards once again, barely missing Astral who quietly stepped out of the way.

  Pain shot throughout my limbs as my emotional state became leaden. I was struggling with my dragon side, trying to remain in control. I fell to my knees as my stomach convulsed. The dragon was winning.

  “Silentaro!” Fenn’s voice sounded cold and indifferent. My protective bubble absorbed the spell and vanished with a light pop. He stalked towards me, his fists clenched in determination. “Silentaro!” he continued, moving swiftly with a vengeance.

  My lips sealed shut once again. I staggered backwards, clenching my side in pain.

  Astral stepped forward as if to stop him, but Fenn was in his own world, driven by the anger of battle. Or worse, by my ignorance and temper. “Pellum Descendum!”

  I went flying backwards, the agony finishing off my last bit of control. A portal opened up in front of me and Fenn stood over me. His expression had shifted from hostile to apologetic concern. He extended an arm to help me up. “I took it too far.”

  But I wasn’t in control anymore. I was succumbing to the darkness inside of me. I fought hard, on the edge of slipping away completely, but it was too late. Even Astral was too late.

  Fire ruptured from within, breaking the silencing spell and burning off the magic Fenn had used to quiet me.

  I didn’t know I could do that.

  Neither did Fenn as his face filled with astonishment. A sickening burning smell filled the air around us. He spun around, searching for the source.

  The edge of the flame had grazed the sleeve of his black linen shirt, smoke singeing the hair on his arms. “Obtestum Aqua,” he conjured. Water fell from his hands and onto his shirt. His eyebrows pinched together as he glared at me. “That was uncalled for, Rory.”

  His words had no effect on me as my temperature rose.

  Astral must have sensed it because he was already behind Fenn, pulling him away from me. “Aurora!” his curt voice belted, “use my strength.” Something in his voice willed me to listen—a soothing sound to the turmoil rumbling around inside my mind.

  I wanted to do as he asked, but the need to give in to my dragon side was stronger. Against my human will, another flame spewed out, hurling in Astral and Fenn’s direction.

  Astral’s eyes lit up as a glowing blue shield materialized in front of them. The flame hit the shield and shot towards the sky like a pinball. Soft ashes rained down on us. I was crippled in pain again as the last bit of my control slipped and darkness swarmed my vision.

  I felt Astral’s magic inside me, pushing to sort me out. I was being shoved deep inside my mind, back into the hallway lined with endless doors where Eve had sent me before.

  “Come,” he gently beckoned, a faint pair of blue eyes glowing at the end of the hall.

  I ran towards him, letting go of my fear. When my eyes opened, I was lying in the grass with Fenn and Astral hovering over me. I used my hand to shield the blaring sun from my eyes. My temples began to pound, the pressure causing waves of nausea in my stomach.

  Fenn dropped down beside me. “Are you okay?” Guilt weighed in his eyes. He offered me a hand and a large shirt he had conjured to put on.

&n
bsp; I was back in my human form, therefore naked. Astral turned to face the forest. The shame never ceased for me; I tried to hide my horror as I scrambled to put it on.

  “I’m tired,” I said weakly, trying to keep from crying. It was becoming more and more embarrassing every time I lost control. Every time I came close to hurting the ones I love. “Take me home.”

  Fenn wove a portal, and I stepped through without hesitation. I headed straight for the sink, filling a glass with some much needed water. I greedily gulped it down, careless about the water that spilled down the sides of my face and onto my freshly conjured shirt.

  I tensed when Astral’s large hand rested on my shoulder. I set the glass down, took a deep breath, and then spun to face him. “A dragon’s first instinct is to protect and defend. It’s not your fault.” He squeezed my shoulder and half-smiled. “You will learn more about this after you meet with the Council. I think staying with the Draconta will do you some good. You should rest now. Later, we can talk more about it.”

  I nodded, staring at the floor. When I finally looked up, he was gone. Fenn was standing in his place.

  “Come with me?” I asked him feebly. All I could think about was the need to crash onto my bed with him by my side.

  His fingers reassuringly laced through mine as we headed to my room. My feet dragged with each step, making the thought of sleep that much sweeter.

  “I can’t help but feel like such a weakling,” I confided once the door was closed. “Here you sit, gifted with all this strength and the ability to heal quickly. You don’t even have a blister!” I flipped his hands over just to make sure.

  He shook his head and rolled his eyes with a goaded sigh. “You’re not weak, Rory Jay. This is training. It’s supposed to be hard. Plus, you fought me in your human form which is really no match for me.” He flipped my hands over and lightly kissed them, being careful not to hurt the open blisters.

  My heart quickened a bit.

  “I’ve had an advantage over you. I’ve been training longer.” His smoldering eyes met mine, and for a second I forgot how to breathe. I was consumed with the need to feel his soft lips pressed against mine.

  “If it’s any consolation,” he continued, “you’ve picked up a lot faster than me.” He smiled and tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear.

  I leaned into his hand, feeling safe inside his warmth. “But you’re forgetting that my expectations are much higher than yours.” I looked up into his alluring blue eyes. I could feel the fear of failing waiting for its moment to ambush me.

  He cupped my face in his hands, tipping his brow at me. “You’re too hard on yourself.” He lightly kissed my forehead, sending a thrilling spike throughout my belly. “And you’re expectations are always high. Too high if you ask me. That’s why you feel you never accomplish anything.” He smiled crookedly.

  “And here I thought it was because I am scared.” I was smiling, leaning close to his lips.

  He pulled his head back to look at me better. “We’re all a little scared sometimes, Rory. If that’s what’s really bothering you then just remember that, okay?”

  “You have a way with words, you know,” I said, trying to take his advice and ease up as I nudged him in the shoulder.

  He caught me and then said, “And with other things too.” He winked with a wicked grin.

  Heat burned behind my cheeks. “Do you even know where those abilities come from?” I asked as I wrapped my arms around his neck.

  He looked confused.

  I started laughing. “No, I mean your healing and strength. They’re not normal. For Mages I mean.”

  He laughed at me as he toyed with a strand of my hair. “I was wondering what you were asking.”

  “Head in the gutter,” I said with a head shake. “Stop dodging my question.”

  “I don’t know,” he said indifferently. He pulled my arms from around his neck. “I asked my mother when we first met, but she evaded the answer like she does everything else.” He refrained from looking at me.

  Sort of like you when you don’t want me to know something, I thought with pursed lips.

  He sighed. “Lexi has similar abilities so I’m not too worried about it.”

  “Really? She never said anything before. And what does she have to do with you?”

  “Huh?” He was fumbling for words. “Maybe it’s more normal than we know.” He busied himself with chewing on his fingernails.

  I tugged on his hand, looking up at him from under my lashes. “When do you think I’ll get to meet your mother?” I asked lightly. “I don’t even know her name.”

  His mood shifted as he froze. “Soon,” was his brief answer. He dropped his hands to his sides, shoving them deep into his pockets.

  I let go of his hand. “Soon,” I echoed mockingly, rolling my eyes. I grabbed a pillow from my bed and threw it at him, ignoring his frigid glare. “Well, anyway,” I said, emphasizing the desired subject change, “something’s gotta give with this. I should be in sync with my dragon side. The fifth Fate never mentioned anything like this during my initial shift. It’s like we’re two separate entities. It doesn’t make sense, but then again, the change didn’t come with an instruction manual.”

  His shoulders relaxed welcomingly as I craftily shifted the weight of the conversation back on to me.

  I plopped onto my bed, flexing my legs and bending forward to stretch. My tendons ached from the strain, but it was a good ache. I inhaled and exhaled slowly.

  “I’m sure Astral will figure it out. Don’t get yourself worked up over it.” He sat next to me, lightly ruffling my hair.

  I turned to look at him.

  “How can you be so nonchalant about it? We are running out of time, Fenn. Our meeting before the Council is in a few days. It shouldn’t be taking me this long to be up to par with everyone else. I can’t disappoint my father. He wants this more than I do.” I stood up and continued stretching, bending from side to side. Then I went to my dresser and pulled out comfy slacks and a large shirt before slumping back down on the bed.

  He looked down at me, eyebrows quirked. “I’m nonchalant because I believe in you,” he said earnestly. “All of this is happening for a reason. Stop rushing everything. We will be granted a title, together,” he finished with a light peck.

  “You’re right,” I groaned. “You always are, oddly enough.” I pointed at him objectively. “Don’t let that go to your head, Mister!”

  He chuckled and shook his head, innocently throwing his hands up.

  I giggled. “It’s the only reason why I keep you around.”

  His smile widened as he pressed his lips to mine again, mumbling something smart back. His lips were soft and sweet and tugged at the love that filled my heart for him.

  He was my very best friend.

  We kissed for a moment more, and then I pulled back. “I’m going to shower. Want to study with me when I’m done?” I bit my lip, something I knew he loved.

  He kissed me again. “If studying includes this,” he hinted, trailing his kisses down my neck. I playfully shoved him off and stood up.

  “No. It won’t include that,” I said with a laugh, “but it will include time with me.” I batted my lashes fervently, and he laughed along with me.

  “Well I can’t turn that offer down, now can I?” He reached the door, pausing to say, “See you soon,” before disappearing down the hall.

  After dinner, we met back in my room, books in tow. Astral’s library was full of books that I would probably never find the time to finish reading.

  “You’re such a bookworm,” Fenn said, shaking his head as he counted the books in my hand.

  “No,” I corrected, “I just want to be prepared.” I pushed past him. “With fall around the corner, we have a lot to catch up on, Fenn. I didn’t
even know it was my father’s birthday two weeks ago. I mean, sixty? He barely looks thirty.”

  “Tell me about it. The time difference is strange here. Mages living well into their hundreds. It’s crazy.”

  “Yep. And growing up in another realm doesn’t exactly help us earn a title either,” I added. I sat the books down on my bed and turned to finish. “Sometimes, I don’t even know why we’re doing this. Stopping Zordon from obtaining the Stone is way more important than some silly rite of passage.”

  He nodded. “I know what you mean,” he said vaguely. Then he shifted mid-thought. “But really, it’s not like we could do anything about it right now. We have to earn this title before Myrdinn and Gabe will even consider us to be ready to fight against Zordon. You know that.”

  I did know that, sadly.

  He sat on my bed, looking down at the pile of books with dread, then looked back up at me. “They expect us to prove ourselves just like they did. They still see us as kids — ignorant and reckless. Sometimes I think they still wish we were back on the other side. I heard Gabe mention it to your dad the other day.”

  “Ugh,” I objected, sitting on the other side of the books. “Oh well. They can think what they want. As soon as I get this damn title I’m going to do things my way, once and for all. I’m tired of feeling left behind.”

  “Same here,” he agreed gloomily.

  “Here,” I said, handing him the Laws of Magic book. “Read this and circle anything that is important. I’m sure when the Council comes from the Hall of Knowledge, they will base most of their questions on those laws. I don’t want to stumble about for answers. I only have a couple of chapters left in the Book of Magic.”

  “Oh yeah? That’s where I found the Vortum spell,” Fenn said, flipping his book open. “It was neat, right?”