Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn

by Tuesday Cross

  “I’m sorry, my dear.” Midwood’s voice wavered. “I just assumed you must be familiar with our world in some way. Maybe your parents told you something?”

  The girl’s face darkened as she looked away. “Are you going to let me go or not?”

  “Headmistress, perhaps a demonstration is in order?” Farsky piped up.

  Sighing, Midwood nodded. “I don’t see the harm.”

  Midwood placed her palms on her lap, face up. Closing her eyes she hummed the familiar melodic harmony. As the song grew, so did the soft ethereal glow which blossomed from her hands.

  Fear and curiosity mixed on the young woman’s face as she leaned in closer, the light dancing across her high cheekbones.

  Midwood’s humming intensified until it no longer seemed to emanate from her, but from the walls around them. As the sound grew, so did the light she held tenderly.

  The girl’s eyes widened as the light grew so large it filled the entire room– and then in an instant, it was gone.

  Midwood sat, gently straightening out the lines of her skirt. The young woman’s wide eyed gaze locked on her, unblinking.

  “That was a simple illumination spell, typically used for entertaining children,” Midwood explained. The young woman transferred her gaze to Farsky and then Starling, her mouth dropping open.

  “What is your name?” Farsky asked.

  “Nyminia,” she whispered. The trio exchanged surprised glances, which did not go unnoticed by the girl. “Do you know me?”

  “No, no, of course not,” Midwood said quickly. She nervously glanced at Farsky and silently willed him not to say anything. The doctor seemed to understand, although he could not repress his signature smile.

  “So, are you going to tell me what’s going on?” Nyminia eyed the occupants of the room.

  Midwood glanced at Starling, who nodded his head in silent agreement.

  “We want to protect you, Nyminia,” Starling answered.

  “Protect me? From what?”

  “Mainly vampires,” Farsky drawled. “Dragons too though.”

  “He’s kidding, right?” Nyminia shot Farsky a venomous glare.

  “No, he’s not.” Starling paused. “However discussing it here would be unwise. If you come with us, we’ll be able to safely explain everything.”

  Nyminia’s body became tense, her knuckles turning white as she gripped the bed sheets.

  “Do you have any family we should contact?” Midwood asked, stepping forward.

  Nyminia’s eyes darkened as she looked away, mouth contorted into a small frown.

  “I see. All the more reason to let us protect you.”

  Nyminia pushed herself out of the bed, crossing the room to the window, taking care to put as much distance between herself and the trio as she could.

  Farsky took a half step towards her, and Nyminia’s breath quickened.

  “Look, I don’t know what happened tonight or how I survived, but I promise you I’m not magical. Really, I can’t help you on your quest or whatever it is you people want from me.”

  “Nyminia.” Starling’s eyes were kind. “Your life is about to change forever.”

  The girl gazed at the friendly looking old man and frowned.

  Midwood closed her eyes. “ I can see your magic, Nyminia, it radiates from you in a way that’s seldom seen.”

  As the headmistress opened her eyes a tear rolled down her cheek, and Nyminia began to shake uncontrollably. Starling reached out to reassure her, but Nyminia dodged his touch– forcefully propelling herself backwards towards the window.

  A loud bang and a flash of blinding white light filled the room, followed by the scent of burnt ozone. Once the trio’s ears had stopped ringing and eyes had adjusted back to the dim lighting, they found that the girl had vanished.

  Laughing, the doctor rubbed his hands together. “How… fascinating.”

  Nyminia stood in the middle of the hospital parking lot, legs shaking. Besides the wet sound of rain and the hum of the street lamps nearby, not a sound could be heard. She turned to survey her surroundings, bare feet grinding against the wet asphalt. Looking down at the hospital gown, she clenched her fists. A low crack sounded behind her, and Nyminia spun around to see the doctor’s smile, the smell of atmosphere filling her nostrils.

  “It’s alright Nyminia.” Farsky spoke, hands up in surrender.

  Nyminia tightened her jaw, violet eyes flashing. “How can this–” she flung her arms out to her sides “–be alright, doctor?”

  Farsky giggled. “Is it really that hard to believe?”

  “Are you kidding? You’re asking me to believe in magic!”

  “No.” Farsky made a tsking sound with his tongue. “Is it really that hard for you to believe that you might be special?”

  The shadow of a frown crossed Nyminia’s face.

  “Deep down in the crux of our souls, everyone believes that they are, or could be, special.” Farsky crossed his arms. “From the most simple of humans to the most complex supernatural beings, we all share this belief. Why don’t you?”

  Nyminia shut her mouth into a tight line.

  “Tell me, what were you thinking before you magically found yourself standing out here in the cold?”

  Nyminia studied her feet as the doctor stood, unblinking.

  “I wasn’t really thinking.” She finally said. “I just, felt that I needed to get away.”

  Farsky smirked and crossed his arms.

  “Wait you mean– I wished myself outside?” The girl’s jaw dropped.

  “Not wished; you, in fact, accidentally managed a bit of messy teleportation magic. It’s really quite remarkable you didn’t end up halfway through a wall.”

  Nyminia’s eyes bulged.

  The doors to the hospital opened as Midwood and Starling walked towards the pair.

  The girl watched them approach, crossing her arms.

  “So,” Nyminia whispered once they had come to a stop. “I have magic.”

  “You don’t just have magic,” Midwood replied. “I don’t want to frighten you, dear. Why don’t you come with us back to the University, and get some rest?”

  Nyminia’s face hardened as she took a step back.

  Professor Starling uncrossed his arms, and gave Nyminia a warm smile.

  “You don’t have to come with us Nyminia. But if you choose to, we can offer you answers, as well as a home.”

  At the word ‘home’ Nyminia’s eyes met the professor’s.

  “Come and see the grounds. If you like what you see, you will be more than welcome to stay. You can live on campus, enroll in classes, and learn more about our world.” He took a breath. “Your world.”

  Nyminia stood silent, unmoving.

  “It’s excellent, you’ll see,” Farsky started in. “One of the best Universities this side of the country. Loads of friendly people in the student body. Lots of different kinds of bodies too! You’ll be sur-”

  “Alright, I’ll come,” Nyminia spoke, casting a wary glance at Midwood and Starling. “As long as he-” she jerked her thumb at Farsky “-stops talking.”

  Midwood shrugged off her long blue jacket and draped it around the girl’s slender frame. Nyminia paused for a moment before sighing, and walking off with the trio into the night.

  Midwood walked quietly with Nyminia down the main drive of the campus. On their silent walk, they passed by her favorite cluster of dilapidated blue stone buildings, which stood as if refusing to fall. They had an air of duty about them, not unlike a group of old men refusing to give up their watch. Midwood noticed Nyminia smiling as she eyed the structures.

  “They have a certain charm, don’t they?” whispered Midwood.

  Nyminia simply looked down towards her feet. Professor Starling had excused himself not long ago, and the Doctor Farsky had stayed back at the Hospital to ‘attend to something.’ The two women walked down the damp path accompanied only by the sound of their footsteps.

  “Do you mind if I ask you a que
stion Nyminia?”

  The girl glanced sideways at Midwood, the old woman’s eyebrows were knit in the middle, and her brown eyes searched Nyminia’s violet ones.

  “I don’t mind,” she finally answered.

  “Before tonight, did you have any inkling that you may have magical ability?”

  Nyminia was silent for a moment before answering, “none.”

  She must not have magic-kinds in the family. How unheard of…

  The pair walked on towards what appeared to be a large dormitory building. Golden light radiated from many of the windows, despite the late hour.

  “Why do you ask, Headmistress?” the girl’s voice was barely audible.

  Midwood hesitated before replying, producing a small sigh.

  “We’ll speak about everything in the morning, I promise.”

  Nyminia frowned.

  You’ll understand tomorrow, dear.

  As they neared the entrance to the dormitory, Nyminia stopped Midwood, her eyes serious.

  “In the fire,” she whispered. Did anyone else make it out?”

  Midwood’s heart grew heavy.

  “No,” she replied. “I’m so very sorry.” Without thinking, Midwood reached out and pulled Nyminia into an embrace. She felt the girl’s body become rigid, and released her.

  Nyminia looked away, blinking tears from her eyes before turning and looking up at the ivy-covered accommodation they were standing in front of.

  “Is this is where I’m staying tonight?” she asked.

  Midwood nodded, and led Nyminia inside. The air was warm, and a scent not unlike cinnamon wafted down the hallways. An eclectic mix of candlelight and warm modern globes illuminated the common area, in which a robust fire crackled cheerfully. No students were in sight, however it was obvious by the piles of books, rumbled blankets, and warm cups of tea that the room had recently been occupied. Midwood shook her head and chuckled under her breath.

  “These kids always think I’m trying to catch them getting up to something.” She winked at Nyminia, tapping her temple. “But I have other ways of knowing.”

  Nyminia’s face formed an awkward smile.

  “Now, your room is on the third level, B3–13. It’s a double room, so if you should decide to stay we will assign you a roommate.”

  Nyminia’s face scrunched up at the word and Midwood raised an eyebrow at her response. Not used to co-living? She hadn’t stayed long at the women’s home perhaps...

  “Roommates aren’t so bad, in fact sharing your space with someone can be quite grounding.” Midwood took a deep breath. “Something which I think you may appreciate after our talk tomorrow.”

  Nyminia simply nodded, and followed Midwood up the grand oak staircase to the third level, where the headmistress pointed out the door to the room.

  “I will send someone to fetch you first thing tomorrow, in the meantime I would advise refraining from introducing yourself to any of the other students.” Nyminia glanced at Midwood, eyebrows raised.

  Declining to clarify Midwood simply said, “It’s very late Nyminia, I recommend you get some rest.”

  Lightly gripping Nyminia’s shoulder, Midwood gave her a small smile. She wanted to tell this fragile creature that everything would be ok, that it was her sacred duty. But of course, she knew now wasn’t the time. Bidding Nyminia goodnight, Midwood walked back down the stairs. Exiting the building, she wondered if it was the right thing to leave Nyminia alone for the night. Cash and Kit are already in place, no one can step foot on campus without being stopped. Midwood allowed the cool night air to flood her lungs. We just have to keep her alive.

  CHAPTER 3

  VAMPIRES, WEREWOLVES, AND WIZARDS, OH MY!

  Finally, I stood alone. That Midwood lady came across nice enough, definitely more manageable than the doctor, but what I needed right now was sleep. And maybe when I wake up, all of this will have been a dream.

  I hugged the headmistress’s long coat a little tighter to my body and walked over to the door inscribed ‘B3–13’. The thought of a bed on the other side was intoxicating. I tested the doorknob; it moved freely, unlocked. So far, this doesn’t seem to be a trick. I reached my hand back out and pushed open the door wide enough to peer in, the light confusing me. Instead of finding the safe dark place I imagined, I discovered a young woman with raven black hair and olive skin. Immediately I backed out, half because I didn’t want to intrude, and half because I was in absolutely no mood for people. Unfortunately, I didn’t get away– the girl spun on her toes and spotted me before I managed to disappear.

  “Hey, Nyminia?” the girl stashed her phone into a pocket on her flannel top, and crossed her arms.

  “...Yes?” I peered around the door, narrowing my eyes.

  The stranger grabbed my sleeve and tugged me into the room, looking annoyed. I pulled my arm back from her as I stumbled forward into the light.

  “I’m your roommate!” she said, grinning.

  I clenched my teeth and studied the room, It appeared normal. The walls were a bare soft white, broken only by a large window which looked out onto a garden lit with yellow light. Two beds were the only items occupying the space, one of which was nearly invisible under what looked like bags of clothing.

  “Cat got your tongue?” the stranger raised a dark eyebrow.

  “I..ah… I didn’t realize anyone would be in here.” Come on Nyminia, just tell her to get out!

  “Well, life is full of surprises, isn’t it!” the girl replied, crossing her arms. “Like you, arriving at this ungodly hour.”

  I flattened my lips into one line. Let’s try to avoid playing twenty questions.

  “What’s up with that anyway?” The girl looked me up and down.

  Just let me sleep, I don’t want to think about tonight. My eyes must have started to mist over, because the girl’s face softened.

  “Hey forget I said anything.” she reached out, patting my shoulder, “The doc said you probably wouldn’t want to talk about it. Sorry.”

  The doc? I looked up at her face. Her features appeared kind, and her blue eyes seemed genuine enough.

  “You mean Doctor Farsky?” I asked, studying her reaction.

  The girl laughed and rubbed her eyes.

  “The one and only! That madman dragged me out of bed, packed my things, and dumped me here before I could even think of a reason not to come!” She gestured to the bags. “Although I’m okay with it to be honest, this room is much nicer than my old one.” The girl planted her fists on her hips, as she surveyed her surroundings.

  Why would he do that? I frowned.

  “Hey, don’t think too much about it. The guy is your garden variety ‘zero social skills’ savant.” She sighed. “I reckon he just didn’t want you to be alone tonight.”

  Or, does he want someone to keep an eye on me?

  “I’m Rowan, by the way.” She stuck out her hand.

  I snapped out of my thoughts, and briefly eyed her hand before taking it.

  “It’s nice to meet you- oof!”

  In lieu of shaking hands, Rowan pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. Not entirely unpleasant, but not at all what I was expecting.

  “It’s nice to meet you too, Nym.” Rowan said, releasing me.

  She strode to the closet and threw it wide open as I caught my breath, winded after our hug.

  “Well, you better get changed out of whatever the heck you’re wearing so I can show you around the campus!”

  Is she crazy? I glanced at the clock on the bedside table.

  “Show me around the school? Isn’t it nearly three in the morning?” Rubbing my hands together, I glanced at the empty bed.

  “Well we’re awake aren’t we? Besides, all the night classes will be finishing up so there will be plenty of people watching to do.”

  That seems oddly late for night classes to be finishing. But then again, what do I know about University.

  “The doc said your things haven’t arrived yet, so just borrow what you like.” Rowan
began to unzip the bags on her bed, and tip out mounds of clothing into the closet.

  Haven’t arrived? More like incinerated in seconds. I frowned, just thinking about the- No. I’m not going to think about it.

  “Thanks, but I’d rather just go to-” I started to say, but Rowan’s smile stopped me. I couldn’t help it, she had an energy about her that made it difficult to say no. Dear lord, how can a person be so instantly likeable?

  Walking over, I took one glance at the closet and her bags. I had never seen so many articles of clothing in my life. With no idea where to start, I looked at Rowan with my best ‘please help me’ face.

  “Here you go.” Rowan laughed. “ Hop on into the bathroom and get changed.” She tossed a black leather tank top and pink skirt in my direction.

  I obliged, and honestly couldn’t help but crack a smile when I caught my reflection in the full length mirror. Sure I look like I could use a week’s worth of sleep, but I also look kind of… awesome.

  “Snap crackle pop girl, you look good!” Rowan called out.

  I blushed. Knowing how to take compliments had never been a strong suit of mine.

  “Alright, ready to check out the nightlife of RBU?” Rowan asked.

  “The nightlife?” I glanced out the window.

  “Yeah, that’s what I call the night students. I think I’m funny.” Rowan winked before she pulled open the door and strode out. I sighed, drilling holes in the mattress of the empty bed with my eyes.

  The main center of RBU was truly something to behold. Everything seemed to be lit up like Christmas. But better. Students walked across the quad, laughing, squabbling. Everything is strangely normal. If that’s even a thing. I chuckled under my breath, it was exactly the sort of place I would imagine if the universe had scooped me up and dropped me into the middle of a cheesy American movie about college life. Maybe I did die after all. However, after listening to Rowan recount the campus’s hottest gossip regarding who might be seeing who for the third time in the row, I concluded that this was most likely not any sort of heaven. Although I haven’t ruled out the other possibility yet. I chuckled under my breath.

  Turning the corner, Rowan and I found ourselves in the brightly lit dining hall. More accurately, Rowan found herself. She was the first person I’ve met who treated eating like a religious experience. The hall was vast, filled with hundreds of tables and chairs, some metal, some wood, I even spotted a few which looked as if they’d been made out of grandma’s shag carpet.