Seared by Desire

by Jennifer T. Alli

  “Sara,” he growled. “What have you been doing to yourself?” Taking her hands within his own, he examined her palm swearing when he saw the deep gouges against her flesh.

  Sara stuttered, unsure of exactly what to say. His brows were drawn tightly together in disapproval at the abused skin but he was licking his lips almost hungrily, his now sharp fangs peeking out from his lips as he spoke. “I, I, I –”

  How many ways do you think you can tempt me before I simply give in? I’m only a man and you tear away my control. “You have to take better care of yourself,” he scolded, tearing a strip from his shirt and wrapping it around her bleeding palm.

  “Sorry.”

  “I can forgive you as long as you give up this idea of you leaving me.”

  “But Lucian…”

  “That’s enough Sara. You don’t really want to leave me.” And I don’t want you to leave me. “I’ll deal with the Malachites and then return to speak with your people. If necessary I’ll tell them you died, they won’t know any better. Now, go inside and pack. We’re leaving tonight.”

  “You shouldn’t be doing this for me Lucian. Endangering your people for a woman you barely know? It doesn’t make sense.”

  “Life is a lesson in things that will never make sense, all we can do is walk our own path and see where it leads.” His hands on her shoulders, he guided her to the door, whispering in her ear before gently pushing her out, “Your path lies with mine. Walk it together with me.”

  She stumbled, turning around only to find that Lucian had disappeared. Hiding in the shadows, Lucian watched as she turned her head in search of him, wishing he could go to her but knowing he couldn’t. His eyes were locked onto his blood soaked fingers and though he cursed himself, he brought one to his lips, groaning as her taste exploded on his tongue. A string of curses left his lips as he wiped the rest of her blood onto his clothes before he looked at his tempting bride once again. His deep set frown disappeared, turning into a smile when he saw her walking back towards the main part of the manor, her spine straight, her head held high. She was a law unto herself his tempting little bride.

  Lucian was right Sara decided. To leave him was to sentence herself to death and her heart ached at the thought of leaving him behind. She was drawn to him like a moth to a flame and didn’t want to be responsible for putting more of a weight on his already burdened shoulders. She couldn’t spend the rest of her life running. Not if I want to spend it with Lucian. The thought came out of nowhere; stunning her with just how right it felt to say those words. She wanted to stay with Lucian. Her entire life she’d been searching for a place to call her own and she’d found it the moment they’d first touched, she wasn’t going to give him up now. But if she truly wanted to be with him she would have to prove to his people that she wasn’t a threat to them, that her presence would be beneficial to them. Her eyes wandered to the stone walls of the manor, an idea forming as a smile emerged on her face.

  Seraphina, she called hesitantly only to be met with silence. Seraphina, she called again. Stop acting like a spoilt child and talk to me.

  No, she answered petulantly.

  Why won’t you talk to me? It’s important. It involves lots and lots of burning… she teased.

  Burn?

  Yes Seraphina, lots and lots of burning. Fire everywhere. Are you sure you don’t want to talk to me?

  She purred and Sara knew that she’d won. Burn.

  Yes Seraphina, lots of burning, are you interested?

  Talk.

  Do you remember the fire I started around New Kennington castle?

  Yes.

  Do you know how long it burned for?

  Days.

  Days. Days are good. The fire elementals, how did you trap them inside? Why couldn’t they escape?

  I’m the strongest.

  So their flames couldn’t do anything when our fire was burning?

  No. Burn now?

  No, not yet. In a few minutes I promise. Her gaze was again drawn to the walls of Lucian's manor, her belief in her plan solidifying. “I really hope this works,” she muttered to herself. Come on Seraphina; let’s get to work.

  Her stride was determined as she approached one of the many walls that made up Lucian's home. Placing her hands directly against the cold stone, she let Seraphina’s power well within her, bolstering the strength of her flame. Heat poured from her palm into the masonry, draining Sara of strength but imbuing the stone with her power and vitality, a sure defense against the inevitable damage the fire elementals would try to inflict. Certain that the stone would withstand any fiery onslaught, Sara pulled back to examine her work. There was a red glow to the stone now, a sure sign that it had been tempered by a fire elemental’s flame. She smiled, pleased with her work before a groan slipped past her lips. She had done one wall but the manor was vast, her work far from complete.

  We’d better get to work then Seraphina.

  Heat, fire, burn, the spirit purred.

  Sara rolled her eyes at its words but continued on regardless. Her strange movements attracted the attention of the manor’s residents as they packed their belongings at Lucian's command but none dared approach her. Her trip from one end of the manor to the manor was considerably lengthened because of her own waning strength. Each time she forced the stone to accept her heat, she felt a little more fatigued until by the end of her journey she was swaying on her feet, struggling desperately to remain upright. Nevertheless, she smiled at her work, proud that she had at last done something to help Lucian. The entire manor now seemed to glow an eerie red, every stone protected and defending the home within.

  The lawn was filled now with horses, people and luggage. She wasn’t sure how long she’d been at work but it must have been a long time. She turned to look at the stables, debating whether or not she had the strength to reach Lance when the ground seemed to rush up to meet her. Her legs buckled beneath her, the strength in them finally drained. Sara blinked rapidly, confused by the new angle in which she was viewing the world. She could see people watching her curiously, unsure of whether or not to lend her a hand. Taking the decision out of their hands, she pushed herself up, willing her arms to take her body weight. There was one more task to complete. She staggered, seemingly drunk towards the stables, determined to reach Lance.

  “Lance,” she called weakly. “Lance!” she called louder this time, intent on summoning the horse to her side. “Lance come here.”

  She was dimly aware of the clattering of hooves but her head was spinning and she knew that she was going to end up with more bruises before the night was through. She sighed, resigned to her arse once again coming into contact with the hard earth but a strong pair of arms caught her before she could complete her fall.

  “Sara what are you doing?” Lucian scolded, pulling her closer against him. “What happened to you?”

  Her words were slurred as she looked, dazed, into his dark eyes. “I’m protecting the manor.”

  “How? By making yourself sick?”

  “No. You’ll see. Are we ready to leave?”

  Lucian threw a dark glance at those gathered around him, silently scowling. How could they not have helped her when she was in such clear need? “Yes.”

  “That’s good. Where’s Lance?”

  “If you mean the horse, he’s currently trying to attack me,” he chuckled, narrowly avoiding the horses’ nose as it tried for what seemed like the hundredth time to knock him off his feet.

  “That’s nice. Can you help me mount him?”

  “Why would I do that?”

  “It’s all part of the plan Lucian. Just help me get up and then make sure the lawn is clear of people.”

  “Sara, whatever you’re planning, stop it. You can’t even stand.”

  “Please Lucian, I have to do this. I’ve already done half the work I just need to finish up. I want to help protect your home so that the people here have something to come back to. Please understand.”

  “I’ll neve
r understand,” he grumbled, placing her atop Lance’s wide shoulders. “I must be going insane.”

  “Thank you Lucian.”

  “Be careful Sara.”

  “I will be.” She spurred Lance into action, gripping the reins tightly to stop herself from falling off. From behind her she could hear Lucian's loud voice demanding that everyone move away from the manor. She could feel their body heat moving further and further away from her as they rushed to obey Lucian's command. When she was certain that there was a safe distance between her and the nearest potential victim, she ground Lance to a halt, urging his body to the ground so that she could dismount easily.

  “Stay here Lance, I’ll be back in a minute.”

  Her steps were slow and unsteady as she approached the manor. She spared a fleeting glance for Lucian, her blue eyes automatically meeting his even in the large crowd. Smiling, she turned back to her task letting Seraphina’s power wash over her. Her body was aglow, the fire covering her entire body in an intense blue flame. Setting her feet apart, she braced herself for what she was about to do.

  Seraphina, this fire will only hurt fire elementals. Only fire elementals.

  Burn.

  Not until you agree that everyone else will be safe from the fire.

  Safe, she sighed. Only fire elementals hurt.

  Good.

  Spreading her arms, Sara let the fire course down her fingertips, repeating the instruction again and again. As soon as the flames hit the ground they spread, racing along the earth faster and faster as they encircled the manor. The line of fire was small, but with a simple command from Sara, the flames roared to life, rising higher and higher until the entire manor was hidden behind columns of fire. She smiled faintly, pleased with her work before all the strength left her body and she collapsed against the ground.

  Lucian watched as though in a trance as Sara manipulated her element, forcing it to bend to her will. She’s even more beautiful when she works with her flame. His trance like state was broken the instant Sara fell to the ground, her small body hitting the hard earth with a resounding thud. His horse was moving the instant she fell though he didn’t remember spurring it into action. The Malachite messenger was safely hidden within the ranks of his army so there was no need to hide his concern. Vaulting from his horse he raced to her side, lifting her limp body into his arms.

  “What have you done?” he cursed, shaking her lightly.

  “Lucian?” she called drowsily.

  “What have you done now?”

  “Now the manor will be safe while we’re away and they’ll think we’re still inside, hiding. No fire elemental can get through this fire but everyone else will be fine. It will take a few days for the fire to die down, more than enough time for everyone to get away and then once the fire is gone and I’ve fireproofed the stone so they won’t be able to destroy your home. Do you think it’s enough?”

  “What more can you do in your condition?”

  She began struggling against him. “It’s not enough? I can do more.”

  “Stay still woman. You’ve done more than enough. Just get some rest.”

  “But Lucian…”

  “If you insist on trying to disobey me I’ll be forced to show you how I deal with insubordination.”

  “Fine,” she huffed, her eyes sliding shut.

  “And you,” he warned, eyeing Lance angrily. “If you try and attack me once more, I’ll leave you here.”

  He snorted as though he could understand Lucian's words and followed docilely behind them.

  “My Lord, what has she done?” Gareth demanded as he rushed to Lucian's side. “The manor is on fire.”

  Looking down at the precious body cradled against his chest, Lucian felt a stab of anger towards his people; she shouldn’t have had to go to such lengths for their acceptance.

  His voice loud and clear, he let his words wash over them. “What she’s done is to protect our home in our absence at a great cost to herself. None but those who live within these walls will be able to get past her fire and even when it eventually burns itself out, the manor will be protected. She has done us a great service and when she wakes I expect all of you to honour her for it.”

  He looked down at her, noting that she was still wearing the barely there outfit she’d been wearing to craft swords. A frown appeared on his face as he pulled her further into his body to shield her from the elements. Silly thing, probably hasn’t even packed. “Make sure she has her things packed. The fire won’t harm you I give you my word.” Whistling, he summoned his horse, placing Sara in the saddle before levering himself in behind her. “Come, we have a great distance to travel tonight.” The more distance there is between me and the fire elementals the better, after all they’re putting my bride through I’m not sure I could restrain myself from killing them the moment I laid eyes on one.

  Chapter Eleven – Only by the Night?

  Lucian was born a vampire and never once in all the long centuries of his existence had he resented that fact until now. The night was slipping away and yet Sara slept on oblivious to her surroundings after her exhaustive work. It wouldn’t be long before they’d have to stop for the night and find sanctuary within the earth. Things might have been different if she’d been raised among them, her sleeping patterns would be more in line with his and his nocturnal people. Her humanity made him wonder what life would be like if he were human. There were things he would never be able to do with her without endangering his life, simple things like watching the sunrise with her at his side.

  A strand of flaming red hair blew into his face as they continued to trot down the worn path towards New Malden. The thick tall trees that surrounded them on all sides would protect them from the sun’s harmful rays should it rise earlier than anticipated. The dappled patches of moonlight that managed to make their way through the thick canopy landed on Sara’s hair, adding a gentle sheen to the curled strands. He’d heard that in the sunlight red hair could shine brighter than rubies and cursed the fact that he’d never see Sara in such light.

  Sara groaned as she began to wake pulling Lucian from his pitiful musings. She blinked groggily, trying to regain her bearings. Her heart began to race when she realised that she had no idea where she was. She was surrounded by trees she’d never seen before and moving towards an unknown destination. The last thing she remembered was Lucian's pale, beautiful face becoming increasingly fuzzy as she slipped into unconsciousness. Had she been caught already? If so what had happened to Lucian? Had the fire elementals killed him? The thought made her heart stop, the breath rush from her body as a chill seeped into her bones.

  “Lucian?” she gasped, terror gripping her.

  He pulled her body closer, unnerved by the tremors wracking her small body. Placing his head in the crook of her neck, he whispered in her ear, “I’m right here.”

  She relaxed instantly, her mind finally processing the coolness at her back and the familiar arms holding her in the saddle. “Lucian,” she sighed relieved.

  “Who else would be holding you this close?”

  “I didn’t know where I was, I was confused.”

  “That’s just an excuse,” he chuckled jokingly.

  “Where are we?” she asked, quick to change the subject. “Have we been travelling long?”

  “We’re a great distance from the manor now. Some of us haven’t slept the entire night away.”

  She gasped horrified, her eyes trying desperately to scan the horizon in search of the sun. Her time with Lucian was always short but she had managed to waste what little she had asleep after her exertions. What is wrong with me? she cursed silently.

  “Some of us also don’t look as though they’ve forgotten what a bath is,” he commented casually, tightening his grip on her body while drawing Sara’s attention to her dirty skin.

  She was still covered in ash and soot from her time in the smithy but hadn’t realised it until then. Her arms and legs were bare, pressed deliciously close to Lucian's body
and she had never resented breeches more than she did in that moment. They were preventing her from having Lucian's bare skin pressed against her like it had been when they slept in the same bed. A mischievous idea crept into Sara’s mind as she looked down at her sooty arms and Lucian's words sunk in. Running a finger up the length of her arm, she gathered the ash that hadn’t been washed away from her time in the smithy and turned, swiping her dirty fingers down Lucian's pale cheek. The soot stood out even more against his pale skin and she began to laugh. “You’re one to talk,” she mocked, struggling for breath as she laughed even harder. “You look as bad as I do if not worse.”

  Lucian frowned and for a moment Sara thought she might have gone too far but then he started laughing, the rich sound pouring over her like sunshine on a warm day. The sound surprised not only her but all those around them, Lucian's laughter was a rare thing.

  “Wow,” Sara gasped, her words making Lucian stop laughing.

  “What?”

  “Your laugh,” she answered inanely.

  His brows drew together in confusion. “What about it?”

  “It’s beautiful. You should laugh more Lucian. I like hearing you laugh.”

  “I rarely have anything to laugh about.”

  “I know. All you do is work, work, work.”

  “I have to.”

  “Your war will be over soon, what will you do then?”

  Drink you until I’m drunk on your blood. “There are no guarantees that William will agree to peace.”

  “Now you’re just being pessimistic.”

  “I’m being realistic Sara. It’s the sad truth of the world that not all leaders keep their word. I have to presume that William won’t and be pleasantly surprised if he does.”

  “My Lord,” Gareth began, drawing his horse close to Lucian's.

  “Yes Gareth?”

  “My Lord the sun will be up soon. We should make camp.”

  Lucian looked around, pleased with what he saw. They were still beneath thick trees that would provide them with additional protection from the sun and the earth under the horse’s hooves looked like it would be deep enough for his army to seek shelter beneath it. They would make camp here.