by N. A. Carson
“I wanted to go swimming today, but Rhoda stopped me.”
“Hmmm...” He lifted my chin. “Seems another one of my pets hasn’t been completely honest. If I let this continue, you’ll turn out like Uther. That arrogant beast.”
I shrugged. “I don’t blame her. If I got spooked again, I’d just end up exploding and hurting the garden again. I was just tired of being cold. I thought it might help.”
“Well, it’s been a little over a week. You’re young, and your endurance isn’t as good as the older firebirds.”
“Endurance?”
He swung me around, so I was straddling his legs. He pressed his hand to my back. A fire emitted from his fingertips.
“Every flame needs to be refueled,” he whispered. “Just let me know when yours runs out.”
Chapter 28: Stubbornness
I shoved him back. “I said no.” Scooting away, I brought my knees to my chest and turned toward the wall. “I’ll never do that—well, that kind of thing again.”
Zoran ran his fingertip down my spine, making me shiver “It wasn’t that bad. You seemed to enjoy it.” He placed his hand in the center of my back and a wave of heat spread from his fingertips.
Gasping, I laid back my head. “Stop.” I fell into the water and kicked off the bottom of the bath. I swam towards the stairs and glanced over my shoulder. Zoran flashed me a crooked smile.
“Don’t do that,” I muttered.
Zoran sighed and stretched his arms over his head. “Fine.”
The water started to cool.
“What are you doing?” I started to shiver.
“Nothing.” He rested his head on his fist. “You made it clear that you didn’t want anything from me. I’m simply doing as you asked.”
Clenching my jaw, I turned forward and gripped the edge of the pool. I wouldn’t give in to him. I wasn’t going to fall for his tricks again. Huddled into the corner, I curled into a ball to stay warm. Zoran simply watched with a smug look on his face. The water was only making me feel worse.
Scowling at him, I climbed out. “I’m done.”
I hurried over to my pile and dried off before putting on my clothes. I peeked over my shoulder and saw the water had started to boil. Breathing out through my nose, I forced myself to remain calm. He wanted a reaction.
Zoran had his eyes closed and was relaxing with his arms stretched out along the rim of the pool. That infuriating smirk had never left his lips.
“I hope you overheat and drown,” I stated, throwing open the door.
I slammed the door shut behind me and marched back to the living area. Sitting down on the bed, I gathered all the blankets and curled up in them. I’d freeze before I ever have sex with that man again. I’d show Zoran I could be just as stubborn as him.
“WHERE ARE WE GOING?” I asked as I followed Zoran down one of the hallways that burrowed into the mountain.
“You’ll see.”
We walked to the very end of the corridor. Zoran opened the door and waved me through. I stepped inside to find an enormous stone room that was completely empty.
I walked a little further into and turn a circle. “And what are we doing here?”
“I’m doing nothing.” Zoran snapped his fingers and lantern lit up around the exterior. “I’d said I’d find you a place to practice.” He wandered out to me while gazing up at the ceiling that rose high above our heads. “We’re a few hundred feet into the mountain and the walls are about two feet thick. I doubt even you could destroy this place.” He reached into his pocket and pulled out a bottle. “I used to keep dragons in here. If it can hold one of them, I’m sure it can handle a baby bird.”
I took the bottle from him. A clear liquid was inside. “What is it?”
The god chuckled. “Lighter fluid.” He held out his palm a dull flame emerged from it. “I figured you need something to start with.” He waved his hand over it, and the spark jumped into a glass bowl.
I reached out to take it.
Zoran jerked it away from me. “A little goes a long way.” He nodded toward the bottle. “Don’t be dumping the entire thing on it all at once. You’ll be stuck in here for a couple hours waiting for that to die down. Understood?”
Nodding, I took the bowl from him. “Any tips?”
“Keep it in the room.” He backed away. “You’ve broken enough of my things as of late.” He turned and stepped into the hallway.
The door closed with a thud that echoed off the stone. Taking a deep breath, I placed the bowl and bottle on the ground. I sat down and just stared at the two. My fingers grazed the tip of the flame, making me smile. Fire. It really was heaven sent.
THE DOOR OPENED, AND I remained on the ground, playing with the little fire that remained in the glass bowl.
“Any progress?”
“Nope,” I replied.
Zoran walked to me and dropped to a knee. He picked up the bowl and made it disappear in a puff of smoke. “Did you use all of the oil?”
“Yep.” I picked at the mortar between the stone floor tiles.
“I’m starting to think you prefer being naked.” Standing, Zoran took off his coat and draped it over me. “Where did your clothes go?”
“I had an accident. They didn’t make it.” I shrugged. “Why can’t I do it? Iri can and she’s a firebird. I’m a firebird. It shouldn’t be this hard.”
“Fire can be a fickle thing.” He looked around the room. “It’s just as temperamental as firebirds, when you think about it.”
I scoffed at the comment. “I just want to know how to make my own fire. Then I’d be able to keep myself warm.” Sitting up, I put the coat on properly and rose to my feet.
The god lifted my chin and smiled. “Don’t be too hard on yourself, Fin. I’ll always be here to keep you warm.”
I jerked back. “I’d rather have a night with the frost than you.”
Zoran’s arms snaked around my waist, making me shiver. “Would you now? I could make that happen if you like.” His breath warmed the shell of my ear.
Pulling the coat tightly around me, I shook my head. “No, thanks.” I marched into the hallway.
Zoran stayed put and folded his arms. “I’ll be waiting, Fin.”
I scowled at him. “Keep waiting.”
I slammed the door and could hear the god laughing on the other side. It normally wouldn’t be so infuriating, but even after spending the afternoon surrounded by fire, the cold was back. I ran my hands down my face. I’d find a way to make fire. I’d just have to endure until then. Licking my lips, I peered at the door. Letting out a deep breath, I started back toward the bedroom.
I’d endure. Curse the gods, I’d find a way to endure.
Chapter 29: Cold Soup
Rhoda placed dinner on the table and took off the lid to reveal two bowls. The usual puff of steam wasn’t there. She picked one up and went to tend to Zoran. Taking the other, I dipped my spoon in the soup and tasted the red liquid.
It was cold.
I sank into my chair. She was obviously still mad at me.
“Is something wrong, Fin?” asked Zoran, dismissing Rhoda.
The siren fluttered off to do her chores.
“She gave me cold soup,” I muttered.
“No, it’s meant to be cold.” He took a sip. “It a cold soup I asked Rhoda to make personally. I thought you would enjoy it.” He just smiled as he lifted up the bowl and drank directly from it.
This wasn’t funny in the slightest. I swirled my spoon. I had been looking forward to a hot meal, and Zoran had ruined that as well. He had to be the pettiest man in the world.
We ate in silence. Well, Zoran did. I just glared at the cold liquid, hoping fire would come out of my eyes. Zoran didn’t pay me any attention. I’d have to figure out how this firebird thing worked because I couldn’t take being cold for much longer.
I slowly slid the bowl to the edge. Sliding my hand under it, I focused on the soup. Nothing happened. I glanced at Zoran. He was busy with
his scrolls. As annoying as they were, it kept him occupied.
Cupping the bowl in my hands, I concentrated on creating fire. Still nothing.
I felt like screaming. I just want to have a hot meal. What was so wrong with that? A warmth traveled down my arm to my fingertips. My eyes grew wide. I was doing it. Bubbles started to form along the bottom. I was making fire!
The bowl started to vibrate.
“Fin, that’s enou—”
The glass shattered, and the soup shot in all directions. I closed my eyes as I was splashed with the hot liquid.
I slowly opened them. “Whoa,” I breathed.
“Fin!” Zoran wiped his face off and glared at me.
“Sorry.” I gave him a nervous smile. “I—I thought I could practice a little.”
“I showed you that room for a reason.”
I forced the lump down in my throat. “Sorry.”
Picking up a soup-soaked piece of paper, he shook his head at me. “I didn’t want you practicing around my things for this exact reason.”
The paper disappeared into a puff of smoke. Zoran waved his hand and a bucket and rag appeared. Fire spread over his body, licking the soup off his clothes. “Clean it up right now.”
I took the rag and washed my face before starting on the table. “I was going to.” I tossed the broken chunks of the bowl into the fire.
“The floor too. I want every bit of it mopped up.”
“I know. I’m sorry, alright?” With a sigh, I set to work. “Ow!” I sat up and held my hand.
A shard of glass was sticking out of my finger.
“You stupid boy,” he sighed. “What now?” He grabbed the collar of my shirt and yanked me to my feet. “Hold still.”
Zoran blew a small stream of fire over the wound. The glass disappeared, and the cut closed.
“Good as new.” He waved his arm, and fire cleaned up any other shard of class. “The rest is still your responsibility.”
I knelt down and grabbed the rag as Zoran returned to his work. “Thank you.”
The god simply nodded. I cleaned up any bits of soup I could find. Wiping the last off the mantle, I turned to the god. “What are those for?”
Zoran held the top of the scroll so I couldn’t read it. “You wouldn’t understand.”
“You write so many.” I dropped the rag in the bucket and returned to my seat. “You’re always working on them.”
“Hmmm...” He scribbled something on the bottom.
“Are they letters?”
Zoran dropped his pen and rubbed his forehead. “I’m a potion maker, Fin. I deal in trades.”
“But you’re a god.” I sucked in my lips. “Couldn’t you just take anything you want?”
He peered over at me. “You really don’t know how many gods exist. If I, say, burned down a village that has an agreement with another god, I would start a war. Better yet,” he ran his finger down the parchment, “I’d have to deal with my brothers.” He rolled up the paper. “I’m a solitary god. I don’t like making deals with humans unless I have no other choice. I don’t convince mortals to pledge allegiance to me, nor do I involve myself in petty disagreements.” He waved his hands over the papers, and they disappeared. “I do trades to get what I want. It also helps that my potions are highly sought after.” Standing, he started to disrobe.
I glanced at the bed.
“Planning on moving back to the floor?”
I looked away. “I’d rather not.”
“Come on, little sparrow.” He laid down and placed the blankets over his legs. “I’ll keep you warm tonight.”
I glared at him. “Don’t put it like that.”
“Fine, sleep on the other side of the bed alone.” He pulled the cover up to his shoulders and the lights went out.
Sliding out of my chair, I shuffled around the table. The floor would be torture with the way I was feeling. I took off my clothes along the way as I crept to the bed. Climbing onto it, I stayed on the far half. Zoran didn’t move. Heat was pulsing from his body. I stretched out my hand. It was warm.
“Don’t be difficult,” muttered Zoran.
I scooted closer.
Zoran rolled over and moved until he was at my eye level. He was holding an apple. “You blew up your dinner.”
I took it from him.
“Don’t get any in my bed.” Zoran situated us so that my back was pressed his chest and draped an arm over my waist.
The fire spread into my body, and I happily ate the apple while I was wrapped in his warmth.
Chapter 30: Invitation
I gathered sticks from around the area and made a pile by the river. Zoran had refused to give me any more oil or starting fire after another rather large explosion, so I was going to make my own.
Once I had a fair amount, I knelt and put my hand on top of them. Clenching my jaw, I focused. Nothing happened. I squinted my eyes and put all my mind power into creating fire. I peeked and saw nothing.
“Arg!” I threw back my head. “Why is this so damn hard?” I rubbed my forehead. Some much time had been wasted and I had nothing to show for it. I was starting to think I was only capable of blowing up.
I grabbed a stick and squeezed it in my hands. “Come on, come on.” I gritted my teeth. “Come on, do something!”
A little smoke billowed up, but there wasn’t even a spark.
“Damn it!” I threw them on the ground and kicked the pile. A string of fire came from my foot.
“Woah.” I froze. I’d done it!
I picked up one of the sticks and saw the black mark on the side. I forgot starting a fire in this garden was a lot harder than the outside world. I peered up at the balcony. There wasn’t much to burn up there, either. I wandered about picking up the sticks and putting them in a pile. Taking a deep breath, I kicked them again.
Nothing.
“Come on,” I groaned.
I wanted to yank out my hair. This shouldn’t be so hard. Firebirds could make fire. It was part of the name. I should have been able to do it, too. Clenching my fists, I felt heat build up in my fingers. I held out my hands and found my palms had a small flame flickering in the center of them. The fire died out. Sitting cross-legged, I focused on that feeling of frustration. The fire reappeared.
“Yes!” I pumped my fists in the air. “I did it. I did it!”
Jumping to my feet, I ran back to the castle. Sirens scattered as I hurried down the path. I raced through the entryway and up the stairs to the room.
“Zoran!”
He wasn’t there. I wandered around the living area. “Zoran, I need to show you something.”
He was nowhere to be seen. I sat down on the bed with a sigh. I guess I could show him later.
“Yes?” said a voice behind me.
I spun around to see Zoran walked toward me while scanning through a book.
“I figured it out.” Taking a deep breath, I brought back that feeling of anger. The fire rose out of my palms. “Look, see? I did it.” I held my hands up to him.
Tossing his book on the bed, Zoran grabbed my wrist. “Not in here, stupid boy.” He dragged me out onto the balcony.
My shoulders dropped. “I wasn’t going to blow anything up.”
Once outside, Zoran spun me around in front of him. “Alright.”
Nervous started to develop as he stared at me. Biting my lips, I held my hands out and focused. Nothing. I tried harder. Still nothing. I tried again, getting upset with myself. A small flame appeared.
Zoran stared at it then glanced at me. “Hmmm... I guess that’s progress.” He walked back inside.
“It was bigger before!” I yelled after him. “Down by the lake, it was better. I swear. I must be tired or something.” I watched him go and let out a deep breath.
He completely ignored me. It was becoming a pattern.
Unless Zoran wanted sex, that man never paid me any attention. I walked to the railing and slumped over. I gazed out over the garden, lost in my thoughts. I could m
ake fire. It wasn’t like just anyone could do that.
A flame appeared in my palm, and I traced my finger through it. It wasn’t impressive as that one girl, but I’d made fire. Zoran should have been happy.
“What’s wrong, little boy?”
I jumped and spotted Iri sitting on the railing a few feet from me. I backed away from her and looked for Zoran. “You’re not supposed to be here.”
She laughed and grinned at me. “I saw you make fire for Zoran.” Wings made from flames emerged from her back. She glided over to me and landed. “You’re growing up too quickly.” She leaned closer, and I did the reverse.
“You really shouldn’t be here.”
“But I brought you something.” Iri revealed a letter. “All the way from across the sea just for you.”
“Thanks.” I snatched it from her and moved back. A seal was burned onto the front. “What’s it for?”
“An invitation for you and Zoran.” She smiled. “You better take it to him for me. If he found out I was here, it would just put him in one of his moods.”
She was right about that.
Nodding, I tapped it on my open hand. “I will.”
“I better be going. I can’t wait to see you at the festival.” She pressed her finger to her lips with a wink. “See you soon.” Iri leaped off the railing and zipped off down the lava river that cut through the mountains.
She had to be the weirdest woman I had ever met. I went inside and looked around. Zoran had disappeared again. I started down one of the hallways. “Zoran.” I peeked around a corner. “Zoran.”
“Over here.”
I followed his voice a little further in and found Zoran going through potions ingredients.
“What now, Fin?” he sighed.
“Um...” I held out the letter. “That girl stopped by, and she told me to give you this.”
“What girl?” He tossed his pen down.
“Iri,” I whispered, sucking in my lips.
“Give it to me.” He snatched it.
“She said it’s an invitation.”