The sensation of the ground shaking beneath me felt real, although I knew it was all in my head.
Midwood gazed at me. “Depending on how long your life-line is currently, it may end it quite soon. It’s too much to ask–”
“I’ll do it.”
“What?”
“Please, just explain how I cast this spell.”
“I’m not sure you understand the–”
“Ten years of my life is nothing to repay someone who was willing to die for me.” I swung my arms out to the sides, raising my voice high enough to drown out hers. I felt eerily calm. This is the right thing to do.
“I can’t allow you to do this.” Midwood crossed her arms.
I approached the old woman and placed my hands on her shoulders. “You have to.”
After what felt like a long pause, Midwood replied, “Marcus wouldn’t wan–”
“You have to.”
Midwood sighed, “It’s my job to keep you safe–”
“Will this spell kill me if it goes wrong?” I asked.
Midwood paused for a moment. “No. Only Marcus would die.”
“Then it sounds like my decision.”
We stood, holding eye contact for what felt like an age before Midwood finally spoke. “I can’t promise you it will work.”
I nodded, and released her shoulders.
“Fire magic is controlled with emotion. You must summon a strong one, and allow it to become the pen with which you write the spell.” Midwood wrung her hands together. “After you have harnessed your magic to your emotion, you must imagine as clearly as you can, your life energy flowing into Marcus. Reach deep into the very essence of your being, break the dam, and allow your life to flow out of you and into him.” Midwood shuddered. “The spell will end once you have given him exactly enough of your life to save his.”
The essence of my being? Break the dam? Sounds easy...
I positioned myself at the head of the bed, shaking out my hands. My heart beat erratically, thumping away as if trying to send me a warning in morse code. I ignored it, it was time to focus. I can do this.
“I’ll give you some space,” Midwood said. “If you need anything, I’ll be right outside.”
Once Midwood had closed the door behind her with a quiet click, I reached my palms forward, placing them on Marcus’s chest. He was cold to the touch. Are vampires ever warm, though?
I took three deep breaths, and closed my eyes. Pain, anger, frustration, fear, all of these emotions swirled in my head. No one else needs to die tonight. I can’t let anyone else die tonight. I’m sick of being helpless, of not knowing what to do...
Squeezing my eyelids tightly shut, I summoned a new feeling to the front of my mind. Passion, fearlessness, and fierce determination boiled within me. It was a mixture I couldn’t label with any single word, but it was potent, like a shot of liquid courage. I can do this, I can perform magic.
The darkness lit within me in a hot white blaze. Even with my eyes shut, I could see the room around me, illuminated in the eery light of the flame that shone from my inside out. Extending my arms in front of me, I could see and feel the fire, spreading, pumping, and flowing through my veins. The power was around me, and within me at the same time. Finally, I felt in control. I turned my gaze to Marcus, who remained motionless.
What is that? His darkness was broken up by fading tendrils of color. Blue, green, and grey, like the ocean during a storm. They’re fading quickly.
Replacing my hands on Marcus’s chest, I could see the ripple through his energy as it reacted to mine. Even if this spell does work, would a vampire be able to survive a transfusion of fire? Let’s find out.
Turning my attention inwardly, I was almost overwhelmed with a sensation of sparkling energy, as if I could feel all of my molecules individually. Focusing, I did my best to discern bones from blood and finally, my life force from the rest of my body. In command of my fire now, I imagined slitting open the sac which held my life intact, and no sooner had I pictured it, it began to happen.
I watched my light come forth like it was oozing from a broken yolk. It trickled out of my heart, down my body, and weaved its way in a glowing net down my arms. It felt unreal, euphoric, and like I was dying– all at once. The molten light finally reached my hands, and met Marcus’s dwindling glow. The effect was as if I had been struck by a bolt of lightning, and the trickle turned to geiser as Marcus’s body illuminated, drinking me in.
His body became hot under my palms, his own light growing and morphing from wisps to waves of the darkest, silver blue. I couldn’t help but notice the change in his color, for what had reminded me of the ocean now seemed to be mixed with my own molten pearlescence.
Finally, the rushing of light slowed, stopped, and my insides knit themselves back together. The spell had ended, and I opened my eyes.
I blinked, Marcus didn’t look any different, and the knife remained lodged in his abdomen. Walking to the door, I signaled for Midwood to rejoin me in the room. She looked me up and down, and entered without saying a word.
Approaching Marcus, she felt his forehead, and turned her gaze to the weapon. “We must remove the knife. If he lives, the spell has worked.” Wrapping the hilt in a cloth, Midwood lifted it free, and tucked it amongst the folds of her skirt.
We stood in the longest silence I have ever endured, waiting for a sign of life, or death.
CHAPTER 12
THE FEAR
Slowly, Marcus’s eyes fluttered open, and after a few moments his gaze landed on me.
“Nyminia!” he exclaimed, nearly toppling over as he leapt to his feet.
The look of relief on Marcus’s face quickly turned to confusion as he looked from Midwood, back to me, and then finally down to the small torn hole in his shirt.
“Thank you for saving my life,” I whispered, smiling.
I couldn’t believe it had worked, I‘ve finally managed to something good.
“Rowan was able to smell your fear,” Marcus murmured, glancing around the room. “So I came back with her…” He looked up from his bloodied shirt and eyed Midwood. “What happened?”
Before she could offer an explanation, I interjected.
“That woman stabbed you with her knife, it was enchanted–”
“I should be dead.” He stared at Midwood, who refused to meet his gaze
“Did Doctor Farsky...” His voice seemed flat, different from its typical tone.
Midwood was silent.
“He wouldn’t come,” I answered.
Marcus’s expression darkened. Ignoring me completely, he slowly approached the headmistress. “Mildred Midwood, what have you done.”
“Marcus, I–” Midwood tried to reply.
“Guided a student in your care to complete a complex spell with dangerous consequences. You knew the price Mildred.” His voice was quiet, calculated. “You had no right to allow Nyminia to perform that spell.”
Midwood opened her mouth as if to speak, but no words came. She’s terrified. Marcus might look young, but there’s not doubt that he’s her senior.
“Come with me,” Marcus said to Midwood as he strode out of the room.
I followed them outside onto the lawn in front of the dorm building. The yellow light from the tall iron lanterns fell across the scene in front of me. I get giving up ten years of my life is serious, but why is that such a big deal to Marcus? Wouldn’t ten years seem like nothing to him?
“Do you remember your oath, Mildred? Because I do, I was there they day you swore it.”
Midwood nodded, lips pressed tight together.
“Just there, you swore to protect your students.” He gestured in the direction of the old bluestone buildings. “I can’t believe–”
“Stop Marcus,” I spoke. This wasn’t Midwood’s decision, it was mine.
“Nyminia, you don’t know what you’ve done,” he whispered.
“He’s right Nyminia, I shouldn’t have–” Midwood’s voice wavered.
> “Please, be quiet, both of you.” I turned to Midwood and looked her square in the eyes. “You informed me fully, and I made my own decision.”
“Unacceptable.” Marcus spoke, his gaze still locked on Midwood’s.
“Unacceptable?” I rounded on Marcus, my face hot. “You’re saying you can make the decision to put yourself in a life or death situation for my safety– but you don’t respect me enough to let me make my own decision to save you?”
We stood in heavy silence. The frustration on Marcus’s face faded, a pained expression taking its place as he turned away.
“Headmistress, do you mind if I speak with Marcus in private?” I asked.
Midwood nodded, glancing at Marcus who did not look in her direction. Skirt swirling, Midwood walked in quick steps, disappearing past the glow of the lamps.
“I don’t think you understand,” Marcus said.
“What is there to understand?”
Marcus sighed. “Nyminia, when you have lived as long as I have– there comes a time where you realize just how short and precious human life is.” He raised his face, looking out into the darkness. “The people you come to care for, they are here one moment and then gone in an instant,” he said, snapping his fingers. “Giving up one year of your life would have been too much, but ten? You’ve made a huge sacrifice to save someone you barely know.” Marcus’s voice broke, charged with emotion. “How can I live with that?”
I looked at him in silence. Starling told me it’s been a long time since Marcus has felt much of anything, but I think it’s quite the opposite. I think for a long time, he’s felt too much.
“Maybe I don’t understand the totality of what I’ve done,” I admitted. Marcus’s eyes flicked up to mine. “But could I live with myself if I just let you die for me– someone you barely know?”
He crossed his arms.
I was caught up in the moment. Just moments ago unstoppable pride had burned in my chest. I made my own decision, used my own power, and saved someone’s life! I wasn’t about to let anyone take that away from me.
“Agree with my decision or don’t, but surely you can respect it.” I spoke, charging the air between us.
He looked at me, and I stared back at him.
“Of course I respect your decision Nyminia.” Marcus finally sighed. “I just hate that you had to make it.”
I nodded. I understood where he was coming from, but this had been my own decision. It was my life, no one else’s. Although I guess a little bit of it is his now?
“You’re pretty amazing, did you know that?” Marcus’s face had softened, and he was smiling at me, hands in his pockets. He walked closer to me, studying my face.
“I wasn’t going to let anyone die for me,” I said, as another thought came unbidden to my mind. For a moment I held the words back, but they fought their way out anyway. “Especially not you.”
“And why is that?” Marcus asked, his body now close to mine.
I looked at him, a half frown on my face and a small smile on his. “I would have had to spend the rest of my life wondering.”
“Wondering?” Marcus asked softly as he reached out, placing his fingertips under my chin, tilting my face upwards.
The electric sensation was real and magnetic. I found myself unable to look away from his endless eyes. We stood as if time had frozen around us, the undeniable energy ebbing and flowing through our bodies was as exhilarating as it was terrifying. As I studied his face, and I made out an emotion painted there.
Fear. But not a typical fear, the fear you feel when something is so good and beautiful, you worry that it can’t be real. I knew, because I was feeling it too.
As his lips closed the gap between mine, I shut my eyes– surrendering completely to the emotion. However instead of a kiss, I felt Marcus’s strong hands grip my arms and maneuver me behind his back, all in an instant. My eyes shot open in time to see three huge figures as they barreled across the open space towards us, lit only by the silver dusting of the moon.
CHAPTER 13
A NEW WORLD
The figures glided through the night at an alarming speed. As the distance between us and them shrank, I felt the muscles in Marcus’s arms tense.
“Stay behind me,” he said, his voice low.
A cloud moved, unveiling the moon which poured its silver light down onto the mysterious shapes. It was obvious now that they were three giant wolves, the one in the middle I quickly recognized.
“Rowan!” calling out, I stepped from behind Marcus.
“She’s got the twins with her,” he said, a laugh behind his words.
I glanced up at Marcus’s face and shivered. His fangs, white and shining, had descended in preparation to fight off a potential threat. He’s a vampire, I shouldn’t forget that.
As the trio drew nearer and started the shifting process, Marcus retracted his fangs and turned to face me.
“I like the Litefoot family, but today has been exciting enough.” He rubbed his arm. “I’m going to make my exit now, if you don’t mind?”
“I’ll see you tomorrow?”
“Of course m’lady,” Marcus said with a goofy smile and half bow, before disappearing in a blur.
I turned back to the wolves only to see three dark haired humans walking towards me.
“Was that Marcus?” Rowan asked, brushing some earth off her clothes.
“He had to go.” I sighed. “He’s had enough craziness for today.”
Rowan narrowed her eyes, and the two identical men behind her chuckled. “How is he ali-”
“I’ll tell you about it later, Ro.” I don’t feel like explaining right now, particularly in front of two strangers. “I think you have some introductions to make,” I said, eyeing the two men behind my friend. They were identical in every way, the only visible difference was their clothing.
“These two knuckle heads can hang on a second.” Rowan huffed, and the twins rolled their eyes. “I am never letting you out of my sight again!” Rowan gestured into the darkness. “Are you a monster magnet or something? You’ve been at RBU for three hot seconds and you’ve already been in more life or death situations than the entire student body combined, and a large percentage of them are actually dead!”
I winced, and the twins exchanged a look between themselves. Rowan’s face was pained, and I regretted being the source of her discomfort.
“Ro, I’m sorry if I’ve been trouble for you–”
“Trouble for me? Girl I’m worried about you.” She took a deep breath. “What I mean is, I just want to make sure I can leave our dorm without someone trying to kill you.”
“I’m okay, Ro. Thank you for caring,” I said with complete sincerity.
“You’re my friend, so caring is automatic.” Rowan smiled widely. “Now, these two idiots–” she said, turning and gesturing to the young men standing behind her “–are my big brothers, Kit and Cash.”
I looked from one to the other, and back again. Wow, it’s really hard to tell them apart.
The one on the right smiled and winked, as if to say he knew I was searching desperately for a physical marker. I’m sure they get it a lot.
“You can tell that I’m Kit because I’m the better looking twin,” the winky one said, flashing a toothy grin. Cash, standing on the left in a loose linen shirt and shorts, punched his brother in the arm. Kit feigned serious injury while Rowan stood looking at them with her hands on her hips.
“You wouldn’t know that they’re my older brothers though.” She narrowed her eyes. “They still act like pups.”
Kit and Cash both laughed, they sounded so joyful. Like they’ve never had to worry about anything in their lives, totally carefree. Their chuckling died down, and they turned their full attention to me.
“Guys, this is Nyminia,” Rowan said, gesturing to me.
“It’s nice to meet you both,” I said, and gave them my nicest smile. It’s awesome to meet some of Rowan’s family.
“It’s great to meet
Rowan’s new roommate,” Cash answered, scratching the back of his neck.
“She won’t shut up about you,” Kit added.
Rowan swatted at the two of them and they started laughing again. I giggled, although I couldn’t help but feel a small twinge of sadness. I always wanted siblings growing up. Real ones, not… what I had. Seeing Rowan mess around with her brothers was a reminder of what I had missed out on.
“What are you two doing here tonight?” I asked, remembering from Marcus that they had graduated recently.
“We got a call from old professor Starls,” Kit answered.
“He said there might be trouble on campus,” Cash finished.
“Are you guys like, security?”
The brothers chuckled in unison. It was cute how in sync they were, I had often wondered if all twins were like that.
“Kit and I work as freelance trackers and bounty hunters,” Cash stated, placing his hands on his hips as a smug smile crossed his face.
“So yeah, kind of like security, but way more awesome,” Kit added.
“The prof is an old friend of ours, and when he mentioned Rowan’s roomie could be in trouble, we were more than happy to come help out.” Cash grabbed Ro in a hug, lifting her up and spinning her around. “But little sister beat us to it! She’s the one who caught the perp.”
I noticed Rowan blush, and put her hands in her pockets. She obviously looked up to her big brothers.
“The twins will be keeping watch outside of our room tonight,” Rowan said, turning to me.
“They don’t have to do that!”
“We really don’t mind, in fact it would make us feel better to know that you’re both safe,” Kit said with a sense of finality. He bumped fists with Cash, and they both crossed their arms before giving me a smirk and a half each.
I sighed. I don’t actually want to change their minds. Of course I feel bad about them staying up all night, but the thought alone makes me feel safer.
“Anyway, Rowan would kill us if we didn’t.” Cash playfully punched Ro in the arm, winking. “So it’s about our own self preservation more than yours.”
I snorted as Rowan pushed Cash into Kit. As we bantered playfully, we made our way back to the room. Rowan and I bid goodnight to the twins who hovered outside our door refusing to come in. They wanted to let us get some sleep, and I was more than thankful for that. Rowan shut the door, locking it with a loud click. We shared a smile. No more open door policy at B3-13.
Of Flesh and Fire - Book I: Everything Will Burn Page 10