Into the Fire

by Cheree Alsop

  She stepped back, keeping my hand in hers when she pulled it away from my chest. She frowned slightly at the gauze. “We need to get you dry bandages or you could get an infection,” she said.

  I nodded because it was the only thing I could think of to do. I was filled with her scent and the taste of her kiss. Everything about her clouded my senses.

  She began to unwrap the gauze. When the wet dressings fell away, she looked up at me. “You’re shaking. Are you alright?”

  I nodded again. When she looked like she expected more than a mute answer, I tried to speak. “Y-yes,” I said through the knot in my throat; I was always so elegant with words.

  She nodded this time, but I could tell by her gaze that she didn’t believe me. She picked up the blue shirt she had brought of her father’s and opened a drawer next to the sink. She found a pair of scissors and cut two slits up the back of the cloth.

  “I don’t have Velcro, but it’ll have to do,” she said apologetically.

  I tried to take the shirt from her, but she stepped back and shook her head. “I just unwrapped those hands. You can’t touch anything until they’ve been bandaged. Let me help you.”

  She gently slipped my hands through the arm holes, then worked it over my head. She stepped around behind me and slid the material down my back. Her fingers lingered, running through the feathers of my wings. “They’re so beautiful,” she said. “I’ve never seen anything quite so lovely.”

  I met her gaze in the mirror. “I have,” I replied.

  A blush stole across her cheeks. She ducked her head and stepped around to my front. She pulled the shirt down gently over my scars. Her hand brushed the one at my side I had pieced together when Blade tried to kill me.

  “How are you still alive, Saro?”

  “Stubborn, I guess,” I replied.

  She smiled. “I believe that about you.” She gestured to the sweat pants she had brought. “Those were Dad’s, too. I would help you put them on, but—”

  I lifted a hand at the red that colored her face. “It’s alright. I can handle it.”

  She gave a quick laugh. “That’s good. Come downstairs and I’ll have the bandages out for your hands.”

  I rested my forehead against the door frame and listened to her footsteps as she made her way down. After a moment, I let out a sigh and gingerly worked my soaked pants off. I pulled the sweat pants on with my fingertips. They were a bit too short, but they would do. I left my shoes in the bathroom with the hopes that they would dry a bit before I put them back on.

  I walked into the kitchen to find both Skylar and her mother there. At the sight of the shirt, something softened in Mrs. Jamison’s face. She smiled. “It’s good to see that shirt worn again.” She gave her daughter a warm look. “Do you remember the last time your father wore that?”

  Skylar nodded. “Father’s Day. You guys took William and me to see the car exhibit. He loved cars.”

  Her mother pulled her close for a quick hug. “It was a good day.” When she stepped back, she threw me a warm smile as well. “Let’s see those hands.” I held them out with my palms up and her eyebrows pinched together. “What happened to you, Saro?” she asked gently.

  Nobody had ever used such a motherly tone with me. I hadn’t realized what I was missing. It felt warm and kind, like being wrapped in a blanket or standing in the sun after a cold night. I pushed down the emotions and gave her a wry smile. “I had a little incident with a Molotov and someone who didn’t like me very much.”

  “What’s a Molotov?” she asked, glancing at her daughter.

  “A mixture that starts fires,” Skylar explained. She shrugged behind her mom’s back as if she didn’t know what else to say.

  I shrugged back and she smiled.

  “Well, be more careful next time,” Mrs. Jamison recommended.

  She spread ointment over some bandages and proceeded to gently dab the wounds. Skylar did the same on the other hand. It hurt, but at the same time, it felt so strange to have them care for my hands. It was far different from stitching my side or bandaging my wounds at the Academy. They cared. It was in the expressions on their faces and the gentle ways their hands wrapped the burns.

  “Your hands are shaking,” Skylar said quietly. She looked up at me. “Are they hurting?”

  I shook my head. “I’m not used to someone taking care of me,” I admitted.

  She exchanged a warm smile with her mother. Mrs. Jamison nodded as though she made up her mind about something. She finished wrapping my hand, then smiled at me. “Saro, I’d like you to stay for breakfast. I’m making eggs and toast. It’s not much, but you’re welcome to it. And you don’t have to hurry off. I hear the Galdoni Center is nice, but it’s not home.”

  I glanced at Skylar; she was smiling at her mom as though proud of her. I got the impression that such warmth between them was rare and fleeting, that life got in the way and they seldom had the chance just to be mother and daughter. Mrs. Jamison passed behind us, squeezing Skylar’s shoulder on the way by. Skylar’s smile deepened. She turned her attention to my hand and finished wrapping it with gauze.

  “Thank you,” I said quietly.

  “Thank you,” she replied in the same undertones. “I haven’t smiled this much in a year.” She rubbed her cheeks. “I think my face is going to be sore.”

  “You should always smile,” I told her. “It brings out the blue in your eyes and makes you look even more beautiful.”

  She stared at me, her elbows on the counter as she sat across from me. The vines running up her arms looked delicate in contrast to her pale skin. “Why do you say that?” she asked.

  “Because it’s true,” I replied.

  She shook her head, glanced back at her mom who was busy cracking eggs into a pan on the stove, and drew closer to me over the counter. “You surprise me every minute we’re together, Saro. I’m different when I’m with you; it’s like I’m a whole other person. I can laugh again, smile again, and it feels right.”

  She lowered her head and my gaze shifted to Mrs. Jamison’s. She was watching us, an egg in one hand and a fork in the other. Her eyes shone with what I realized were tears. She gave me a watery smile before turning back to her pan.

  Skylar continued, unaware that her mother was listening, “I’ve felt so lost since Dad died. I know we’ve only known each other for a short time, but I swear I’ve known you forever. I feel so comfortable with you.”

  Warning bells went off in the back of my mind. My instincts crowded forwarded, heralding danger to those close to me. I was a Galdoni. I was dangerous, raised on blood and violence; yet here I sat in Skylar’s home where her mother and brother lived. I didn’t deserve such kindness.

  “You shouldn’t be so comfortable with me,” I told her softly.

  Skylar looked up at me. Her blue gaze melted deep into me, seeing my soul and the truth of what I was without me telling her. Instead of backing away in horror, the gentlest of smiles curved her mouth and graced her eyes. Her hand rested on my forearm; a tingle ran along my skin at her touch. “You’re different, too. We all have many sides, some that we hide, and some we embrace. We get to choose what side we present to the world. When Dad died, I pretended I was alright so people would stop asking me how I was doing. With you, I don’t have to pretend. I’m remembering what it feels like to be happy again.” Her eyes creased as her smile deepened. “I think that’s the same thing that’s happening to you.”

  The warmth in her voice surrounded me with the truth. Around Skylar, I could breathe and relax. I could just be, without worrying about attacks or instinct or any of those things that brought out the animal in me and chased down the emotions and sensitivities of my human side, the side I used to believe didn’t exist.

  “I’m not very good at this,” I said. “I might mess it up.” There it was, my deepest fear put to words. I was so different around Skylar that I was afraid I couldn’t keep it up. If she saw the other side of me, I feared it would destroy the relationshi
p we had built.

  Skylar just gave her tiny shrug and tipped her head to one side. “It takes practice, right? I’m definitely not perfect.” I snorted in disagreement. She smiled and continued, “You might get bored being around me.”

  My eyes widened. “Not likely.”

  She laughed, light and musical like the few drops of rain that pattered against the kitchen window. She squeezed my arm. “You’re a good guy, Saro.”

  I chuckled. “You really don’t know me.”

  She laughed again. Mrs. Jamison surprised us by sliding two plates of eggs and buttered bread in front of us. “Eat up, kiddos. I’ve got to run to work.”

  “Thank you, Mom,” Skylar said. She rose and threw her arms around her mother’s neck, giving her a hug.

  Mrs. Jamison’s eyes met mine. “Thank you,” she mouthed with a smile that said more than a thousand words.

  Skylar sat back down and we ate while we listened to her mom leave. My heart turned in my chest. Things were changing. I was changing. I liked who I became when I was with Skylar.

  My thoughts turned to Alana. My chest gave a pang of guilt. I let out a slow breath. “I need to get back.”

  Skylar nodded. “Alana might miss you.” Her words were carefully expressionless, giving me no clue as to how she felt.

  I grabbed my wet clothes and shoes and Skylar walked me to the door. When she opened it, sunlight streamed through. The scent of rain-washed grass and cement filled the air. I took a deep breath and turned back to her. “Skylar, I—”

  She rose on her tiptoes and kissed me. Surprised, I smiled against her lips and returned her kiss. I closed my eyes, enveloped by her scent, her taste, and her hand that rested on my chest above my scars. When she stepped back, a sigh escaped my lips.

  She laughed. “Have a wonderful day, Saro.”

  “You, too, sophisticated Skylar.”

  That brought another laugh from her, filling my ears with the sweetest music. I stepped off the porch and pushed down my wings. Rising into the rain-washed air, I circled her townhouse once before turning my wings toward the Galdoni Center.

  Chapter Twenty-four

  Alana was asleep. I collapsed on the couch in her room. I had just shut my eyes when a familiar voice broke through my daze.

  “We really need to get you a phone.”

  I opened my eyes to see Kale leaning against the doorframe. He smiled at me. “You look exhausted.”

  I gave him a tired smile which seemed to surprise him. “I’ve been busy.”

  He pulled the chair over and sat down near the couch. “I would ask busy doing what, but what you do on your free time is up to you. ‘It’s what we do in our unscheduled time that makes us who we are’.” A warm look swept through his dark eyes and he rested his elbows on his knees. “Dr. Ray told me that. I was fresh from the Academy and not used to having time to myself.” His eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “With Brie in my life, every free moment I get I spend with her.”

  I nodded. “I understand that.”

  He sat up and gave me a surprised look. “You do? A few days ago, you were disputing love, saying that fighting was all Galdoni were good for.”

  Thoughts of Skylar filled my mind and I smiled. “Someone’s changed that for me.”

  Kale glanced at Alana sleeping in the bed. He looked back at me. “I’m glad to hear it.”

  I tipped my head against the couch. “I don’t think my philosophies on love are what you came here to discuss.”

  He shook his head. “Nikko’s team has managed to trace the paperwork we found in the safe. The details in the documents reveal share holdings in Advantage Corp. We’re not sure why anyone wants to steal the papers, except maybe to destroy evidence of the shareholders; though I doubt those papers are their only documentation.”

  I studied the ceiling. “That doesn’t make sense. Maybe it’s someone working against Advantage Corp. Anyone with power has enemies, right?”

  His tone darkened. “Same lessons outside the walls, huh?”

  I shrugged. “Who would have thought the Academy provided real world training?” I felt his stare. After a moment, I chuckled. “Lighten up, Kale. You’re the one who brought down the walls, remember?”

  He snorted. “I remember. I just didn’t think you had a sense of humor.”

  “I needed one to survive that place.”

  The remark brought an answering chuckle. “Tell me about it.” He rose and slapped my shoe. “Get some shut-eye. Nikko’s tracking down the origin of the documents. I’ll let you know when we have something to investigate.”

  “Kale?” My voice stopped him at the door. When he turned, I smiled, trying to keep my eyes open. “You sound like a cop.”

  That brought a true laugh from him. “Wouldn’t that be the day?” he replied. He turned down the hall. I could hear him chuckling to himself all the way to the balcony.

  ***

  “Rise and shine, sleepy head.”

  I opened my eyes to see Alana sitting up in her bed. The apologetic look on her face filled me with warmth. “I wanted to let you sleep, but Kale stopped by and said they had a lead, whatever that means.”

  I sat up and rubbed my face in an attempt to chase the grogginess from my thoughts. A glance at the clock showed I had slept four hours.

  “Good morning,” I told her.

  I stood and stretched. Alana watched me with a smile. I sat on the chair beside her and pushed the hair out of my eyes.

  “You need a haircut,” she noted.

  “Who does your hair?” I asked, picking up one of her dark blonde braids.

  She smiled. “Brie. She’s really nice.”

  “Do you get a lot of visitors?” I wasn’t sure what I wanted her to say. My heart twisted at the way her face lit up.

  “I’ve made some good friends,” she replied vaguely. She looked at my hands. “How are your burns?”

  I was grateful for the change of subject. “They’d be better if I took it easy.”

  She laughed. “Saro taking it easy. That’d be the day.”

  I rose. I wanted to talk to her like we used to, but something was in the way. I felt like there was a wall I couldn’t get around. I couldn’t decide which of us had built it. “Guess I should get going.”

  I felt her eyes on me as I walked to the door. “Saro?”

  I turned, relieved. “Yes, Alana?”

  She gave me a true smile. “Thank you so much for bringing me here. You saved my life.”

  I shook my head. “It’s my fault you got shot.”

  “You saved me from that house. You bandaged my feet, and you were so nice to me. You almost died for me.” Her voice caught.

  The same memories swarmed me, the house on fire, Jake’s uncaring voice, my arms tied to the chair. I crossed back to Alana’s side. “I would die for you a hundred times if it meant your safety.” Every word was true. I set a gauzed hand on Alana’s cheek. “You are worth everything. My regret is that I should have been the one shot, not you.”

  She smiled up at me. “I don’t think I could have carried you here.”

  “You’re pretty spunky. I think you could have managed it.”

  She laughed, and the sound took me back to the girl in the basement with the warm eyes and bandaged feet. She winced at the pain in her chest.

  “Should I get someone?” I asked, worried.

  She shook her head. “It’s normal. Dr. Ray said it’ll just take time. Don’t worry about me.”

  “I’ll always worry about you,” I replied.

  She smiled again. “You better get going.”

  “Take care of yourself.”

  She nodded.

  I turned to leave when Jayce entered the room. We stared at each other for a moment. He looked at Alana, then back at me. “I, uh, I just wanted to see how Alana was doing,” he explained.

  “That’s nice of you,” I replied evenly. I realized he held a flower in his hand; it had yellow petals and a brown center. It was then that I noticed the
vase near Alana’s bed. At least a dozen other flowers sat it in, each a different color. I forced myself to nod. “I’ll be by later,” I told Alana.

  “Take care,” she said.

  I walked through the door filled with confusion. When I was with Alana, all I could think about was Skylar, yet seeing Jayce with his flowers twisted my heart in a way that physically hurt. I cared about Alana, but it felt as though Skylar held my heart in her hands. Every moment I was away, I wanted to be back at her side. Jayce obviously cared about Alana, if the number of flowers was any indication. I couldn’t decide how I felt about that. I didn’t own her, yet I felt responsibility toward her because of all we had been through together. I didn’t know what to do, or if there was anything I should do.

  I was almost to the balcony when Kale landed.

  “Glad to see you up,” he said. “When I stopped by, you didn’t even budge.”

  “I guess four hours of sleep in the last two days doesn’t quite cut it,” I replied, trying to get my thoughts together.

  Kale threw me a searching look, but he didn’t press me with questions. Instead, he held out a paper. “Nikko’s team traced the documents back to this address.”

  “What is it?” I studied the numbers. The city was within a half-hour’s flight.

  “That’s the problem.” Kale’s tone caught my attention. “When he pulled up the address, there was nothing there.”

  “We should investigate.”

  Kale laughed. “Now who sounds like a cop?”

  I smiled. “Speaking of which, should we involve Officer Donaldson?”

  Kale thought about it for a minute, then shook his head. “Let’s make sure there’s something there first. We don’t want to send the police force on a wild goose chase.”

  We took off in the direction of the address. “My boys will be ready if we need backup,” Kale said, his dark wings spread to catch the wind. “Goliath and Varo will leave the second we call. They’ve had my back for a long time.”